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cbd at cutjibnewsletter.com
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buck.throckmorton at protonmail.com
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mannix2024 at proton.me
MisHum:
petmorons at gee mail.com
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sefton at cutjibnewsletter.com
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cbd at cutjibnewsletter.com
Buck:
buck.throckmorton at protonmail.com
joe mannix:
mannix2024 at proton.me
MisHum:
petmorons at gee mail.com
J.J. Sefton:
sefton at cutjibnewsletter.com
Cuddles Cafe
Eltz Castle
Another squirrel-dog friendship.
A little bird saw a cat being held by its owner, and as if saying "I want to be held too," flew straight into the cat's arms..😺🐾🕊️😍 pic.twitter.com/ON1XpXgaWn
— 𝕐o̴g̴ (@Yoda4ever) January 23, 2026
Comments
(Jump to bottom of comments)1
Yay!
Posted by: Oddbob at January 27, 2026 07:30 PM (Fs0KI)
2
1
Posted by: davidt at January 27, 2026 07:32 PM (Q+gd/)
3
nope
Posted by: davidt at January 27, 2026 07:32 PM (Q+gd/)
4
Oh, my.
Posted by: Blutarski, Gradually then Suddenly at January 27, 2026 07:32 PM (cxFcK)
5
Burp.
Posted by: Additional Blond Agent, STEM Guy at January 27, 2026 07:32 PM (/HDaX)
6
Good evening everyone
Posted by: Skip at January 27, 2026 07:36 PM (Ia/+0)
7
ROFL... seems the pictures we've been seeing of Armed Blacks in Minersoder are the 'New Black Panthers'... and the Original Black Panthers just told them to stop using the name because they don't agree with supporting Illegals.
Posted by: Romeo13 at January 27, 2026 07:37 PM (mP0Kj)
8
We still go to the Balboa Theater
Posted by: San Franpsycho at January 27, 2026 07:37 PM (RIvkX)
9
I did notify the previous thread but I guess "cafe is open" was too subtle without the keyword "nood." I'll try again.
Posted by: Oddbob at January 27, 2026 07:37 PM (Fs0KI)
10
I cast Charm Person.
---
My cat Hexie cast "Dominate Human" a little over 3 years ago and the spell still hasn't worn off.
---
My cat Hexie cast "Dominate Human" a little over 3 years ago and the spell still hasn't worn off.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at January 27, 2026 07:38 PM (ESVrU)
11
ROFL... seems the pictures we've been seeing of Armed Blacks in Minersoder are the 'New Black Panthers'... and the Original Black Panthers just told them to stop using the name because they don't agree with supporting Illegals.
Posted by: Romeo13 at January 27, 2026 07:37 PM (mP0Kj)
lmao
Posted by: Romeo13 at January 27, 2026 07:37 PM (mP0Kj)
lmao
Posted by: Comrade Flounder, Disinformation Demon at January 27, 2026 07:39 PM (dK+Kv)
Posted by: nurse ratched at January 27, 2026 07:39 PM (74g9r)
13
The streets in Westwood Park have the oval design because it was built over a racetrack.
Posted by: San Franpsycho at January 27, 2026 07:39 PM (RIvkX)
14
Happy Tuesday, all!
Posted by: Caf at January 27, 2026 07:40 PM (qS/Xm)
15
Willowed: As I noted in Walls of Men, the problem for China is how you control the army while concentrating it for a major conflict. To invade Taiwan you must appoint a single operational commander, but once you do so, how do you stop him from marching on the capital?
Xi knows what happened in 1911, how Yuan Shi-kai was plucked from retirement by the Empress to put down a mutiny of his subordinates and to do so, he demanded full command authority. He got it, and deposed the monarchy, declaring himself president. He died in 1916, inaugurating the warlord era. Everyone in China knows this.
Communists cannot give a promise worth anything. It's all self-interest. When the Party is powerful, the Army is loyal, but the Party is stumbling, and the Army is worried at how many of its officers are getting purged. Xi appointed all the guys he's removing. He's burning his own cronies. That can't go on for long.
Xi knows what happened in 1911, how Yuan Shi-kai was plucked from retirement by the Empress to put down a mutiny of his subordinates and to do so, he demanded full command authority. He got it, and deposed the monarchy, declaring himself president. He died in 1916, inaugurating the warlord era. Everyone in China knows this.
Communists cannot give a promise worth anything. It's all self-interest. When the Party is powerful, the Army is loyal, but the Party is stumbling, and the Army is worried at how many of its officers are getting purged. Xi appointed all the guys he's removing. He's burning his own cronies. That can't go on for long.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at January 27, 2026 07:40 PM (ZOv7s)
16
The bulldog having a food tantrum is funny.
Posted by: Tuna at January 27, 2026 07:40 PM (lJ0H4)
17
thanks, Ace!
Posted by: sock_rat_eez at January 27, 2026 07:40 PM (Cjt/F)
18
Patching the roof on that castle or painting the window trim must be a death defying job.
Posted by: Count de Monet at January 27, 2026 07:42 PM (wVcYX)
19
>>>This better not be AI.
Thanks for this. Little2 has to play a puppet in the next musical. This will be helpful.
Thanks for this. Little2 has to play a puppet in the next musical. This will be helpful.
Posted by: Comrade Flounder, Disinformation Demon at January 27, 2026 07:42 PM (dK+Kv)
20
I'm hoping th Secret Service puts this one in cuffs--Via GP:
Elliot Forhan, Democrat Candidate for Ohio Attorney General, went on his TikTok account to call for the execution of President Trump.
“I want to tell you what I mean when I saw that I am going to kill Donald Trump,” Forhan said.
“I mean, I’m going to obtain a conviction rendered by a jury of his peers at a standard of proof beyond a reasonable doubt based on evidence presented at a trial, conducted in accordance with the requirements of due process, resulting in a sentence duly executed of capital punishment,” he said.
“That is what I mean when I saw that I’m going to kill Donald Trump,” Forhan added.
Elliot Forhan, Democrat Candidate for Ohio Attorney General, went on his TikTok account to call for the execution of President Trump.
“I want to tell you what I mean when I saw that I am going to kill Donald Trump,” Forhan said.
“I mean, I’m going to obtain a conviction rendered by a jury of his peers at a standard of proof beyond a reasonable doubt based on evidence presented at a trial, conducted in accordance with the requirements of due process, resulting in a sentence duly executed of capital punishment,” he said.
“That is what I mean when I saw that I’m going to kill Donald Trump,” Forhan added.
Posted by: Crusader at January 27, 2026 07:42 PM (Cjcf6)
21
So gold is what 5150 an ounce? Sure. Thanks, Ace!
Posted by: Hokey Pokey at January 27, 2026 07:43 PM (YlWIZ)
22
eh, I'll settle for "shot while trying to escape custody"
Posted by: sock_rat_eez at January 27, 2026 07:44 PM (Cjt/F)
23
Xi has a remarkable track record of acting just in time to maintain and expand his position. There have been a couple of coup attempts (or at least, real and meaningful coup plots) against him and he keeps winning. He has enough power and allies to get wind of them, and he moves fast to shut them down.
This *looks* like a big move, but it's hard to tell with Red China.
Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at January 27, 2026 07:38 PM (MABZ1)
---
Yes, but he's wiping out his own allies. Those are his puppets he's arresting now. The economy is a mess, and with Venezuelan oil now going to the US, new supply shocks are going to hit.
The promise of the CCP was that they would make you rich and prosperous in exchange for total control. That bargain is breaking down. China lost face in a major way with the fall of Maduro. Japan is now openly rearming and also giving boats to the Philippines to buff up their Coast Guard. The US is back as well. Has the dynasty lost the Mandate of Heaven?
This *looks* like a big move, but it's hard to tell with Red China.
Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at January 27, 2026 07:38 PM (MABZ1)
---
Yes, but he's wiping out his own allies. Those are his puppets he's arresting now. The economy is a mess, and with Venezuelan oil now going to the US, new supply shocks are going to hit.
The promise of the CCP was that they would make you rich and prosperous in exchange for total control. That bargain is breaking down. China lost face in a major way with the fall of Maduro. Japan is now openly rearming and also giving boats to the Philippines to buff up their Coast Guard. The US is back as well. Has the dynasty lost the Mandate of Heaven?
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at January 27, 2026 07:44 PM (ZOv7s)
24
>>>This better not be AI.
I know that whenever ace says this, a massive shot of AI is coming our way.
I know that whenever ace says this, a massive shot of AI is coming our way.
Posted by: Anon Y. Mous at January 27, 2026 07:45 PM (syz1S)
25
The concluding shots show people emerging from the Forest Hill subway station and boarding a bus. The following shot shows the view across from the station, Laguna Honda Hospital. This is the largest county-owned long-term care community in the U.S.
Posted by: San Franpsycho at January 27, 2026 07:46 PM (RIvkX)
26
This has been an awful year in China. Massive flooding that was made worse by all the dams they are building. Factory fires are endemic, buildings and bridges are falling down after only a few years, and they have had some freaky weather/natural events, like frog plagues and freak snowstorms. The countryfolk say the gods are unhappy. The urban folks are getting laid off by the factory, which then burns down.
Do people know that every week they have a major vehicular homicide incident? Every week. Bollards are going up everywhere to try to stop it.
Do people know that every week they have a major vehicular homicide incident? Every week. Bollards are going up everywhere to try to stop it.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at January 27, 2026 07:47 PM (ZOv7s)
27
Twin Peaks went Tango Uniform today. Filed for chap 11. I've never been. I've only been to a hooters once about 25 years ago. Can't say the food was great.
There are actually still a lot of breastaurants left but they're the pub style, often irish/scott themed locally owned places. You don't know what's on display until you go in. It's funny because my wife has a thing for pub food. So she'll get hankerin for fish and chips or something and will head in to a new place as a family and HONK! HONK! everywhere. The foods generally 100% better too.
There are actually still a lot of breastaurants left but they're the pub style, often irish/scott themed locally owned places. You don't know what's on display until you go in. It's funny because my wife has a thing for pub food. So she'll get hankerin for fish and chips or something and will head in to a new place as a family and HONK! HONK! everywhere. The foods generally 100% better too.
Posted by: banana Dream at January 27, 2026 07:47 PM (3uBP9)
28
"This better not be AI."
I think I'm going to define the advance of AI by the number of times per month that Ace is skeptical.
Working backwards we're currently at 5 Aces and should hit 4.6 Aces by June
I think I'm going to define the advance of AI by the number of times per month that Ace is skeptical.
Working backwards we're currently at 5 Aces and should hit 4.6 Aces by June
Posted by: Fen at January 27, 2026 07:47 PM (ciYHQ)
29
And another river otter.
Evil nasty and aggressive. Why do you hate me, ace?
Posted by: nurse ratched at January 27, 2026 07:39 PM (74g9r)
Ooooooo......
Ace better be careful the next time he gets a physical.
Evil nasty and aggressive. Why do you hate me, ace?
Posted by: nurse ratched at January 27, 2026 07:39 PM (74g9r)
Ooooooo......
Ace better be careful the next time he gets a physical.
Posted by: Diogenes at January 27, 2026 07:48 PM (2WIwB)
30
I saw Burg Eltz in Germany. Very imposing in person. It was closed the day we drove by.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at January 27, 2026 07:49 PM (ZOv7s)
31
I really love the color shifting paint they used on those cars in the 1920s video.
Posted by: bob (moron incognitus) at January 27, 2026 07:49 PM (YGcde)
Posted by: nurse ratched at January 27, 2026 07:50 PM (k0MVD)
33
Eltz Castle - Real castle or Disneyland for for Europe's elite?
Posted by: Itinerant Alley Butcher at January 27, 2026 07:50 PM (/lPRQ)
34
And another river otter.
Evil nasty and aggressive. Why do you hate me, ace?
Posted by: nurse ratched at January 27, 2026 07:39 PM
How do you know it doesn't identify as a sea otter?
Evil nasty and aggressive. Why do you hate me, ace?
Posted by: nurse ratched at January 27, 2026 07:39 PM
How do you know it doesn't identify as a sea otter?
Posted by: Duncanthrax at January 27, 2026 07:51 PM (0sNs1)
35
It’s Tummy Rub Tuesday!
Rub rub rub those fuzzy furry bellies!
Posted by: nurse ratched at January 27, 2026 07:50 PM (k0MVD)
---
Done and done!
Rub rub rub those fuzzy furry bellies!
Posted by: nurse ratched at January 27, 2026 07:50 PM (k0MVD)
---
Done and done!
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at January 27, 2026 07:51 PM (ESVrU)
36
Patching the roof on that castle or painting the window trim must be a death defying job.
Posted by: Count de Monet at January 27, 2026 07:42 PM (wVcYX)
---
Scaffolding. Probably only need to do it once a generation.
Posted by: Count de Monet at January 27, 2026 07:42 PM (wVcYX)
---
Scaffolding. Probably only need to do it once a generation.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at January 27, 2026 07:51 PM (ZOv7s)
37
Willowed from previous thread,
119 That's going to be a new rich haole development.
Posted by: Eromero at January 27, 2026 07:24 PM (LHPAg)
half goes to the obamas, half to oprah
Posted by: sock_rat_eez at January 27, 2026 07:27 PM
In that case we have our location for the next Jurassic Park.
119 That's going to be a new rich haole development.
Posted by: Eromero at January 27, 2026 07:24 PM (LHPAg)
half goes to the obamas, half to oprah
Posted by: sock_rat_eez at January 27, 2026 07:27 PM
In that case we have our location for the next Jurassic Park.
Posted by: Eromero at January 27, 2026 07:52 PM (LHPAg)
38
Yes, but he's wiping out his own allies. Those are his puppets he's arresting now. The economy is a mess, and with Venezuelan oil now going to the US, new supply shocks are going to hit.
The promise of the CCP was that they would make you rich and prosperous in exchange for total control. That bargain is breaking down. China lost face in a major way with the fall of Maduro. Japan is now openly rearming and also giving boats to the Philippines to buff up their Coast Guard. The US is back as well. Has the dynasty lost the Mandate of Heaven?
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at January 27, 2026 07:44 PM (ZOv7s)
++++
No doubt there are YUGE structural issues in Red China, many things are declining, and a major shakeup is due.
Xi might have decided that he may as well be the one to shake it up. Going after his allies and puppets? Is he? Or is it that they *were* his puppets, but perhaps were no longer? I don't know. Xi might is crafty and cunning and is a survivor. I'm not counting him out.
The promise of the CCP was that they would make you rich and prosperous in exchange for total control. That bargain is breaking down. China lost face in a major way with the fall of Maduro. Japan is now openly rearming and also giving boats to the Philippines to buff up their Coast Guard. The US is back as well. Has the dynasty lost the Mandate of Heaven?
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at January 27, 2026 07:44 PM (ZOv7s)
++++
No doubt there are YUGE structural issues in Red China, many things are declining, and a major shakeup is due.
Xi might have decided that he may as well be the one to shake it up. Going after his allies and puppets? Is he? Or is it that they *were* his puppets, but perhaps were no longer? I don't know. Xi might is crafty and cunning and is a survivor. I'm not counting him out.
Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at January 27, 2026 07:53 PM (MABZ1)
39
37, LOL!
Posted by: sock_rat_eez at January 27, 2026 07:53 PM (Cjt/F)
40
Eltz Castle - Real castle or Disneyland for for Europe's elite?
Posted by: Itinerant Alley Butcher at January 27, 2026 07:50 PM (/lPRQ)
---
There are a bunch of castles in the Rhineland that have been updated to be residences. All of them were destroyed by Louis XIV and the locals are still pissed about it. In the 19th Century, the hot thing to do was buy the ruin and make it into a Romantic fantasy castle. They were real fortresses at one time, though.
Posted by: Itinerant Alley Butcher at January 27, 2026 07:50 PM (/lPRQ)
---
There are a bunch of castles in the Rhineland that have been updated to be residences. All of them were destroyed by Louis XIV and the locals are still pissed about it. In the 19th Century, the hot thing to do was buy the ruin and make it into a Romantic fantasy castle. They were real fortresses at one time, though.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at January 27, 2026 07:54 PM (ZOv7s)
41
Scaffolding. Probably only need to do it once a generation.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at January 27, 2026 07:51 PM (ZOv7s)
++++
The scaffolding alone is probably an impressive feat of engineering.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at January 27, 2026 07:51 PM (ZOv7s)
++++
The scaffolding alone is probably an impressive feat of engineering.
Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at January 27, 2026 07:54 PM (MABZ1)
Posted by: Al Gore's second chakra at January 27, 2026 07:54 PM (gKWVE)
43
I cast Charm Person.
Yog's caption says "Bro just casted ... "
Yog, that's a female, not male, cat.
Yog's caption says "Bro just casted ... "
Yog, that's a female, not male, cat.
Posted by: Wesley Crusher at January 27, 2026 07:54 PM (0sNs1)
44
It’s Tummy Rub Tuesday!
Rub rub rub those fuzzy furry bellies!
Posted by: nurse ratched at January 27, 2026 07:50 PM (k0MVD)
++++
Oh, right!
So, who is coming over?
Bueller?
Bueller?
Rub rub rub those fuzzy furry bellies!
Posted by: nurse ratched at January 27, 2026 07:50 PM (k0MVD)
++++
Oh, right!
So, who is coming over?
Bueller?
Bueller?
Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at January 27, 2026 07:55 PM (MABZ1)
45
Happy cafe! I am stuffed from dinner. How is everyone?
Posted by: Piper at January 27, 2026 07:55 PM (Dd38x)
46
“That is what I mean when I saw that I’m going to kill Donald Trump,” Forhan added
I really hate this, it should incur the penalties for being both violent and a pussy (is he trans?). If you're going to run your mouth don't weasel into some lame attempt at plausible deniability.
Kill is not one of those words casually tossed around. "I'm going to destroy Forhan" is the usual hyperbole, but if you say "I'm going to kill Forhan" the table goes quiet with the more savy patrons glancing for the exits
I really hate this, it should incur the penalties for being both violent and a pussy (is he trans?). If you're going to run your mouth don't weasel into some lame attempt at plausible deniability.
Kill is not one of those words casually tossed around. "I'm going to destroy Forhan" is the usual hyperbole, but if you say "I'm going to kill Forhan" the table goes quiet with the more savy patrons glancing for the exits
Posted by: Fen at January 27, 2026 07:56 PM (ciYHQ)
47
I'm hoping th Secret Service puts this one in cuffs--Via GP:
Elliot Forhan, Democrat Candidate for Ohio Attorney General, went on his TikTok account to call for the execution of President Trump.
“I want to tell you what I mean when I saw that I am going to kill Donald Trump,” Forhan said.
“I mean, I’m going to obtain a conviction rendered by a jury of his peers at a standard of proof beyond a reasonable doubt based on evidence presented at a trial, conducted in accordance with the requirements of due process, resulting in a sentence duly executed of capital punishment,” he said.
“That is what I mean when I saw that I’m going to kill Donald Trump,” Forhan added.
Posted by: Crusader at January 27, 2026 07:42 PM (Cjcf6)
Exhibit A for why the dems can never ever hold serious power in this country again, like ever. If they ever do its game over. We go to war, or we get hunted.
Elliot Forhan, Democrat Candidate for Ohio Attorney General, went on his TikTok account to call for the execution of President Trump.
“I want to tell you what I mean when I saw that I am going to kill Donald Trump,” Forhan said.
“I mean, I’m going to obtain a conviction rendered by a jury of his peers at a standard of proof beyond a reasonable doubt based on evidence presented at a trial, conducted in accordance with the requirements of due process, resulting in a sentence duly executed of capital punishment,” he said.
“That is what I mean when I saw that I’m going to kill Donald Trump,” Forhan added.
Posted by: Crusader at January 27, 2026 07:42 PM (Cjcf6)
Exhibit A for why the dems can never ever hold serious power in this country again, like ever. If they ever do its game over. We go to war, or we get hunted.
Posted by: Berserker-Dragonheads Division at January 27, 2026 07:56 PM (snZF9)
48
This better not be AI.
___________________________
Ummmm....Ok. I can see how you would be devastated if someone spent time manipulating digipix to present us with some foreign chick squirming around like she needs a restroom. That would be...disturbing.
___________________________
Ummmm....Ok. I can see how you would be devastated if someone spent time manipulating digipix to present us with some foreign chick squirming around like she needs a restroom. That would be...disturbing.
Posted by: Orson at January 27, 2026 07:56 PM (dIske)
49
How much do I get if I don't write, "The walls are closing in on Xi?" Twenty five cents? What am I bid?
Posted by: Hokey Pokey at January 27, 2026 07:56 PM (YlWIZ)
50
Ancient wisdom imparts "When someone says they're going to kill you, believe them."
Posted by: Duncanthrax at January 27, 2026 07:57 PM (0sNs1)
51
How much do I get if I don't write, "The walls are closing in on Xi?" Twenty five cents? What am I bid?
Posted by: Hokey Pokey at January 27, 2026 07:56 PM (YlWIZ)
++++
Uhhhh, you just wrote it.
No bid.
Posted by: Hokey Pokey at January 27, 2026 07:56 PM (YlWIZ)
++++
Uhhhh, you just wrote it.
No bid.
Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at January 27, 2026 07:57 PM (MABZ1)
52
Xi might have decided that he may as well be the one to shake it up. Going after his allies and puppets? Is he? Or is it that they *were* his puppets, but perhaps were no longer? I don't know. Xi might is crafty and cunning and is a survivor. I'm not counting him out.
Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at January 27, 2026 07:53 PM (MABZ1)
---
I'm not, either, but the issue he has is that there's nothing he can do within the constraints of the CCP. He's making noises that they need more state intervention in the economy. Yeah, that always works.
Also, constantly decapitating the military means it can't perform. What will happen if he does go after Taiwan and fails? Or - more likely - China is too short on oil to try it. What if the people riot and demand his ouster and the Army - seething with resentment - stands down?
That happened in 1989. Units refused orders to roll over the students. That's why they have National Armed Police now, but what if those units balk? Very dicey situation, and rounding up your most respected commanders - men who you grew up with by the way - is a desperate move.
Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at January 27, 2026 07:53 PM (MABZ1)
---
I'm not, either, but the issue he has is that there's nothing he can do within the constraints of the CCP. He's making noises that they need more state intervention in the economy. Yeah, that always works.
Also, constantly decapitating the military means it can't perform. What will happen if he does go after Taiwan and fails? Or - more likely - China is too short on oil to try it. What if the people riot and demand his ouster and the Army - seething with resentment - stands down?
That happened in 1989. Units refused orders to roll over the students. That's why they have National Armed Police now, but what if those units balk? Very dicey situation, and rounding up your most respected commanders - men who you grew up with by the way - is a desperate move.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at January 27, 2026 07:58 PM (ZOv7s)
53
I did a painting of Eltz castle.
Posted by: Opinion fact at January 27, 2026 07:59 PM (KDPiq)
54
Bers, they were gonna do that anyhow. It’s been obvious for decades. Trump just ripped off their masks a little early, and I’m damn glad he did, before they cemented their control further than they have.
Posted by: Common Tater at January 27, 2026 07:59 PM (tXwiM)
55
I'm not, either, but the issue he has is that there's nothing he can do within the constraints of the CCP. He's making noises that they need more state intervention in the economy. Yeah, that always works.
Also, constantly decapitating the military means it can't perform. What will happen if he does go after Taiwan and fails? Or - more likely - China is too short on oil to try it. What if the people riot and demand his ouster and the Army - seething with resentment - stands down?
That happened in 1989. Units refused orders to roll over the students. That's why they have National Armed Police now, but what if those units balk? Very dicey situation, and rounding up your most respected commanders - men who you grew up with by the way - is a desperate move.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at January 27, 2026 07:58 PM (ZOv7s)
++++
It is, but as you've said, China has some serious problems. Xi also just got fucked in Central America. That is minor in the grand scheme of things, but things also add up.
Possibly desperation. Definitely a major power move, for whatever reason.
Also, constantly decapitating the military means it can't perform. What will happen if he does go after Taiwan and fails? Or - more likely - China is too short on oil to try it. What if the people riot and demand his ouster and the Army - seething with resentment - stands down?
That happened in 1989. Units refused orders to roll over the students. That's why they have National Armed Police now, but what if those units balk? Very dicey situation, and rounding up your most respected commanders - men who you grew up with by the way - is a desperate move.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at January 27, 2026 07:58 PM (ZOv7s)
++++
It is, but as you've said, China has some serious problems. Xi also just got fucked in Central America. That is minor in the grand scheme of things, but things also add up.
Possibly desperation. Definitely a major power move, for whatever reason.
Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at January 27, 2026 07:59 PM (MABZ1)
56
Kill is not one of those words casually tossed around. "I'm going to destroy Forhan" is the usual hyperbole, but if you say "I'm going to kill Forhan" the table goes quiet with the more savy patrons glancing for the exits
Posted by: Fen at January 27, 2026 07:56 PM (ciYHQ)
---
He thinks he's being smart by saying he'll be so Stunning and Brave that he will prosecute and execute the sitting president in a state that - does Ohio even have the death penalty? I never hear about it being used.
How does a state official try the president, anyway?
Posted by: Fen at January 27, 2026 07:56 PM (ciYHQ)
---
He thinks he's being smart by saying he'll be so Stunning and Brave that he will prosecute and execute the sitting president in a state that - does Ohio even have the death penalty? I never hear about it being used.
How does a state official try the president, anyway?
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at January 27, 2026 08:00 PM (ZOv7s)
57
How much do I get if I don't write, "The walls are closing in on Xi?" Twenty five cents? What am I bid?
Posted by: Hokey Pokey at January 27, 2026 07:56 PM
My understanding is you get paid more than that for mentioning Prometheus.
However, the big money is, apparently, in being a dupe, lackey, and/or shill for Big Penguin.
Posted by: Hokey Pokey at January 27, 2026 07:56 PM
My understanding is you get paid more than that for mentioning Prometheus.
However, the big money is, apparently, in being a dupe, lackey, and/or shill for Big Penguin.
Posted by: Duncanthrax at January 27, 2026 08:01 PM (0sNs1)
58
Exhibit A for why the dems can never ever hold serious power in this country again, like ever. If they ever do its game over. We go to war, or we get hunted.
Posted by: Berserker-Dragonheads Division at January 27, 2026 07:56 PM (snZF9)
====
They always telegraph and project.
History teaches this. There are no mysteries here.
Posted by: Berserker-Dragonheads Division at January 27, 2026 07:56 PM (snZF9)
====
They always telegraph and project.
History teaches this. There are no mysteries here.
Posted by: San Franpsycho at January 27, 2026 08:02 PM (RIvkX)
59
Things are not going good for Winnie the Xi.
Posted by: Mr Aspirin Factory at January 27, 2026 08:02 PM (Cifda)
60
Is there an Or Eltz Castle?
Posted by: Anna Puma at January 27, 2026 08:02 PM (2GVsD)
61
Thanks for the cafe, Ace. I love those old black and white (now colorized) movies.
Posted by: TecumsehTea at January 27, 2026 08:02 PM (nz1sK)
62
I am extremely smart, and also hate Donald Trump. Vote for me in this heavily Republican state so that I can arrest him for something and also try him in Ohio and then have a jury sentence him to death for whatever it is we have the death penalty for in Ohio.
I vow that he will die, and that is not a threat, because I am so very very smart in the law and stuff that once I put my mind to it, his conviction is assured. Yes, I am aware that others tried to do that, but they are not as smart and determined as I am. I have a Harry Potter tattoo on each butt cheek and that gives me twice the power Harry had!
I vow that he will die, and that is not a threat, because I am so very very smart in the law and stuff that once I put my mind to it, his conviction is assured. Yes, I am aware that others tried to do that, but they are not as smart and determined as I am. I have a Harry Potter tattoo on each butt cheek and that gives me twice the power Harry had!
Posted by: Democrat Candidate for Law Guy at January 27, 2026 08:03 PM (ZOv7s)
63
>>Exhibit A for why the dems can never ever hold serious power in this country again, like ever. If they ever do its game over. We go to war, or we get hunted.
I hope enough people are waking up to the fact that this is not going to stop until we stop them. This is a communist insurgency and the old rules of American politics don't mean anything anymore. It's not about Trump, it's about us. They will never accept people like us in charge.
I hope enough people are waking up to the fact that this is not going to stop until we stop them. This is a communist insurgency and the old rules of American politics don't mean anything anymore. It's not about Trump, it's about us. They will never accept people like us in charge.
Posted by: JackStraw at January 27, 2026 08:04 PM (viF8m)
64
I IS HERE. WHERE ARE MY CUDDLES? I WUZ PROMISED CUDDLES.
Posted by: Not Enough Lampposts at January 27, 2026 08:04 PM (vgIIr)
65
60 Is there an Or Eltz Castle?
Posted by: Anna Puma at January 27, 2026 08:02 PM (2GVsD)
Is that the one in Moronica?
Posted by: Anna Puma at January 27, 2026 08:02 PM (2GVsD)
Is that the one in Moronica?
Posted by: Count de Monet at January 27, 2026 08:04 PM (wVcYX)
66
Its amazing that even in the 20's the Ford model T's look like beat up rusty pieces of shit.
Posted by: Berserker-Dragonheads Division at January 27, 2026 08:04 PM (snZF9)
67
Christopher Robin, "Winnie the Xi that is not a honey jar."
Posted by: Anna Puma at January 27, 2026 08:04 PM (2GVsD)
68
... Yes, I am aware that others tried to do that, but they are not as smart and determined as I am. I have a Harry Potter tattoo on each butt cheek and that gives me twice the power Harry had!
Posted by: Democrat Candidate for Law Guy at January 27, 2026 08:03 PM (ZOv7s)
++++
LOL
Posted by: Democrat Candidate for Law Guy at January 27, 2026 08:03 PM (ZOv7s)
++++
LOL
Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at January 27, 2026 08:04 PM (MABZ1)
Posted by: Itinerant Alley Butcher at January 27, 2026 08:04 PM (/lPRQ)
70
I remember when the olympics were held in Red China in 2022. My how the media gushed and gloated and needed a few hankies to clean up all the splooge they shot across the TV screen on how advanced and modern the red chinamen were.
All lies of course. Red China is a backwards, filthy, dirty country full of savages.
All lies of course. Red China is a backwards, filthy, dirty country full of savages.
Posted by: The Truth at January 27, 2026 08:05 PM (R/m4+)
Posted by: Anna Puma at January 27, 2026 08:05 PM (2GVsD)
72
Burg Eltz! Recognized the castle right away; six years back I painted it in the background of a scene for an SCA friend who had a German persona, so it needed a nice medieval German castle. He was delighted when I told him that it was an actual, existing castle which he could go visit if he liked!
https://history.westkingdom.org/scribal/
scribal_project.php?project_id=528
(Had to break the line with a space in there)
https://history.westkingdom.org/scribal/
scribal_project.php?project_id=528
(Had to break the line with a space in there)
Posted by: tankascribe at January 27, 2026 08:05 PM (NtoJk)
73
I IS HERE. WHERE ARE MY CUDDLES? I WUZ PROMISED CUDDLES.
Posted by: Not Enough Lampposts at January 27, 2026 08:04 PM (vgIIr)
++++
I dunno about cuddles, but Nurse is handing out tummy rubs!
Posted by: Not Enough Lampposts at January 27, 2026 08:04 PM (vgIIr)
++++
I dunno about cuddles, but Nurse is handing out tummy rubs!
Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at January 27, 2026 08:05 PM (MABZ1)
74
>>> 56 Kill is not one of those words casually tossed around. "I'm going to destroy Forhan" is the usual hyperbole, but if you say "I'm going to kill Forhan" the table goes quiet with the more savy patrons glancing for the exits
Posted by: Fen at January 27, 2026 07:56 PM (ciYHQ)
---
He thinks he's being smart by saying he'll be so Stunning and Brave that he will prosecute and execute the sitting president in a state that - does Ohio even have the death penalty? I never hear about it being used.
How does a state official try the president, anyway?
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at January 27, 2026 08:00 PM (ZOv7s)
I can help! I'm smart!!!
Posted by: Fen at January 27, 2026 07:56 PM (ciYHQ)
---
He thinks he's being smart by saying he'll be so Stunning and Brave that he will prosecute and execute the sitting president in a state that - does Ohio even have the death penalty? I never hear about it being used.
How does a state official try the president, anyway?
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at January 27, 2026 08:00 PM (ZOv7s)
I can help! I'm smart!!!
Posted by: Tish James at January 27, 2026 08:05 PM (ULPxl)
75
Possibly desperation. Definitely a major power move, for whatever reason.
Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at January 27, 2026 07:59 PM (MABZ1)
---
It's a move, but it speaks of weakness. You don't mobilize troops if you think you have the upper hand. The guy just disappears.
Turning the entire PLA into a Praetorian Guard is going to eat into its combat effectiveness (such as it is). Saddam's goons were optimized for internal security and we blew through them in record time. If I'm Taiwan, I'm encouraged.
Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at January 27, 2026 07:59 PM (MABZ1)
---
It's a move, but it speaks of weakness. You don't mobilize troops if you think you have the upper hand. The guy just disappears.
Turning the entire PLA into a Praetorian Guard is going to eat into its combat effectiveness (such as it is). Saddam's goons were optimized for internal security and we blew through them in record time. If I'm Taiwan, I'm encouraged.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at January 27, 2026 08:07 PM (ZOv7s)
76
Yeah about that
For being people so opposed to the death penalty they sure have hard-ons to give Trump the death penalty.
For being people so opposed to the death penalty they sure have hard-ons to give Trump the death penalty.
Posted by: Anna Puma at January 27, 2026 08:07 PM (2GVsD)
77
I dunno about cuddles, but Nurse is handing out tummy rubs!
Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at January 27, 2026 08:05 PM
But only to furry bellies.
Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at January 27, 2026 08:05 PM
But only to furry bellies.
Posted by: Duncanthrax at January 27, 2026 08:07 PM (0sNs1)
78
I hope enough people are waking up to the fact that this is not going to stop until we stop them. This is a communist insurgency and the old rules of American politics don't mean anything anymore. It's not about Trump, it's about us. They will never accept people like us in charge.
Posted by: JackStraw at January 27, 2026 08:04 PM (viF8m)
They don't even accept anything American. They got triggered by the phrase Make American Great Again the second it rolled off the printing press. That was a tell right there.
Posted by: JackStraw at January 27, 2026 08:04 PM (viF8m)
They don't even accept anything American. They got triggered by the phrase Make American Great Again the second it rolled off the printing press. That was a tell right there.
Posted by: Berserker-Dragonheads Division at January 27, 2026 08:07 PM (snZF9)
79
I can't recall any Republican running for office saying "I'm going to kill Joe Biden". Of course he's brain dead anyway, but still,...........
Posted by: Case at January 27, 2026 08:07 PM (E7+ue)
80
1. Make a batch of vanilla pudding
2. Put pudding in an empty, clean mayonnaise container
3. Walk through a public place, eating pudding out of the container
2. Put pudding in an empty, clean mayonnaise container
3. Walk through a public place, eating pudding out of the container
Posted by: How to get personal space in a crowded place at January 27, 2026 08:08 PM (MABZ1)
81
Or the People's Liberation Army thinks, " we can knock you out."
Posted by: Anna Puma at January 27, 2026 08:08 PM (2GVsD)
82
>>> 77 I dunno about cuddles, but Nurse is handing out tummy rubs!
Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at January 27, 2026 08:05 PM
But only to furry bellies.
Posted by: Duncanthrax at January 27, 2026 08:07 PM (0sNs1)
What about at the TX MoMee?
Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at January 27, 2026 08:05 PM
But only to furry bellies.
Posted by: Duncanthrax at January 27, 2026 08:07 PM (0sNs1)
What about at the TX MoMee?
Posted by: Tish James at January 27, 2026 08:08 PM (ULPxl)
83
Off timwalz sock!
Posted by: Helena Handbasket at January 27, 2026 08:08 PM (ULPxl)
84
Turning the entire PLA into a Praetorian Guard is going to eat into its combat effectiveness (such as it is). Saddam's goons were optimized for internal security and we blew through them in record time. If I'm Taiwan, I'm encouraged.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at January 27, 2026 08:07 PM (ZOv7s)
++++
I am fine with reduced Red Chinese combat effectiveness. I'm also not usually that lucky.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at January 27, 2026 08:07 PM (ZOv7s)
++++
I am fine with reduced Red Chinese combat effectiveness. I'm also not usually that lucky.
Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at January 27, 2026 08:09 PM (MABZ1)
85
Possibly desperation. Definitely a major power move, for whatever reason.
Posted by: Joe Mannix
----
My only thought is that I wonder if there is a faction that wanted immediate action to take action before Trump rebuilt the USA and made it much more impervious to their style of warfare (cutting essential goods for our supply chain, creating disturbance around the world that overwhelm,....) and a faction that wanted to wait and keep building strength.
Don't know which side is which though -- I always thought the military was way more militant than Xi, but not sure.
Possibly desperation. Definitely a major power move, for whatever reason.
Posted by: Joe Mannix
----
My only thought is that I wonder if there is a faction that wanted immediate action to take action before Trump rebuilt the USA and made it much more impervious to their style of warfare (cutting essential goods for our supply chain, creating disturbance around the world that overwhelm,....) and a faction that wanted to wait and keep building strength.
Don't know which side is which though -- I always thought the military was way more militant than Xi, but not sure.
Posted by: bob (moron incognitus) at January 27, 2026 08:09 PM (YGcde)
Posted by: Anna Puma at January 27, 2026 08:10 PM (2GVsD)
87
Xi has lost the Mandate of Heaven.
Posted by: San Franpsycho at January 27, 2026 08:11 PM (RIvkX)
88
I wonder if there's any connection at all between the foofraw in MN and the CCP shenanigans.
Posted by: Helena Handbasket at January 27, 2026 08:11 PM (ULPxl)
89
Xi has lost the Mandate of Heaven.
Posted by: San Franpsycho at January 27, 2026 08:11 PM (RIvkX)
++++
He's still emperor.
Posted by: San Franpsycho at January 27, 2026 08:11 PM (RIvkX)
++++
He's still emperor.
Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at January 27, 2026 08:12 PM (MABZ1)
90
I dunno about cuddles, but Nurse is handing out tummy rubs!
Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at January 27, 2026 08:05 PM
But only to furry bellies.
Posted by: Duncanthrax at January 27, 2026 08:07 PM (0sNs1)
What about at the TX MoMee?
Posted by: Tish James at January 27, 2026 08:08 PM
What happens at the TXMoMe stays at the TXMoMe.
And the First Rule of The Horse Trailer is not to talk about The Horse Trailer.
Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at January 27, 2026 08:05 PM
But only to furry bellies.
Posted by: Duncanthrax at January 27, 2026 08:07 PM (0sNs1)
What about at the TX MoMee?
Posted by: Tish James at January 27, 2026 08:08 PM
What happens at the TXMoMe stays at the TXMoMe.
And the First Rule of The Horse Trailer is not to talk about The Horse Trailer.
Posted by: Duncanthrax at January 27, 2026 08:12 PM (0sNs1)
Posted by: Ouch the Grouch at January 27, 2026 08:12 PM (ZdhjE)
92
I missed the last thread, and I fail to see the point of it. From an electoral standpoint, the GOP will not make any significant gains in CA - particularly in Los Angeles, where this stunt might have some minimal impact. If Newsome runs for President, all of this will be spun as #DreamyResistance against the orangeman and Karen will flick her bean to Patrick Bateman anyway.
But it's even dumber than that. Why in the HELL should Donald Freakin' Trump be trying to help California scum in any manner - particularly the redolent scum of Pacific Palisades.
Why should he waste any time or political capital assisting millionaire Marxists who despise his voters, and who are hated by them in return?
What does he think will happen? That these rich botox pigs might open their wallets for the GOP? Fat chance.
Just let them suffer with the consequences of their poor decisions. I see no upside to helping them. I'd prefer he drove around CA starting more fires.
But it's even dumber than that. Why in the HELL should Donald Freakin' Trump be trying to help California scum in any manner - particularly the redolent scum of Pacific Palisades.
Why should he waste any time or political capital assisting millionaire Marxists who despise his voters, and who are hated by them in return?
What does he think will happen? That these rich botox pigs might open their wallets for the GOP? Fat chance.
Just let them suffer with the consequences of their poor decisions. I see no upside to helping them. I'd prefer he drove around CA starting more fires.
Posted by: Yudhishthira's Dice at January 27, 2026 08:12 PM (BI5O2)
93
Tampon Timmy only honeymooned in the PRC... really. /sarc?
Posted by: Anna Puma at January 27, 2026 08:12 PM (2GVsD)
94
Posted by: How to get personal space in a crowded place
Well, that or tell those nearby that you are an insurance salesman.
Well, that or tell those nearby that you are an insurance salesman.
Posted by: Tonypete at January 27, 2026 08:12 PM (cYBz/)
95
I wonder if there's any connection at all between the foofraw in MN and the CCP shenanigans.
Posted by: Helena Handbasket at January 27, 2026 08:11 PM (ULPxl)
++++
My guess is "no."
The CCP probably has a hand in the Minnesota Insurgency somewhere - money, political capital, technology, something - but I doubt it's a major campaign or issue. This reeks of internal issues.
Posted by: Helena Handbasket at January 27, 2026 08:11 PM (ULPxl)
++++
My guess is "no."
The CCP probably has a hand in the Minnesota Insurgency somewhere - money, political capital, technology, something - but I doubt it's a major campaign or issue. This reeks of internal issues.
Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at January 27, 2026 08:13 PM (MABZ1)
96
WHEREAS the Left is deliberately baiting ICE in bad faith to provoke them into causing an incident that will pause the enforcement of immigration law
WHERAS the Left has edited their perception of reality to the point they can believe a video portrays the opposite of what it proves
WHERAS the Right lacks the will to counter an actual insurrection
WHEREAS Dorothy Parker told Mrs Johnson's 11th grade class that I was... small
BE IT RESOLVED that all Conflict Resolution Matrixes be upgraded with Option K: "Can I just shoot them"
WHERAS the Left has edited their perception of reality to the point they can believe a video portrays the opposite of what it proves
WHERAS the Right lacks the will to counter an actual insurrection
WHEREAS Dorothy Parker told Mrs Johnson's 11th grade class that I was... small
BE IT RESOLVED that all Conflict Resolution Matrixes be upgraded with Option K: "Can I just shoot them"
Posted by: Fen at January 27, 2026 08:13 PM (ciYHQ)
97
66 Its amazing that even in the 20's the Ford model T's look like beat up rusty pieces of shit.
Posted by: Berserker-
-----------
One of my movie peeves is that when you watch a modern movie that takes place in the 70s or earlier, the cars all look pristine -- like show pieces. Clean and shiny with no dents or rust.
But if you watch any real footage from that era, the cars are a mess.
Posted by: Berserker-
-----------
One of my movie peeves is that when you watch a modern movie that takes place in the 70s or earlier, the cars all look pristine -- like show pieces. Clean and shiny with no dents or rust.
But if you watch any real footage from that era, the cars are a mess.
Posted by: bob (moron incognitus) at January 27, 2026 08:14 PM (YGcde)
98
"He thinks he's being smart by saying he'll be so Stunning and Brave that he will prosecute and execute the sitting president in a state that - does Ohio even have the death penalty?"
He's deranged and therefore welcomed with open arms by the demorat party.
He's deranged and therefore welcomed with open arms by the demorat party.
Posted by: fd at January 27, 2026 08:14 PM (vFG9F)
99
>>> 93 Tampon Timmy only honeymooned in the PRC... really. /sarc?
Posted by: Anna Puma at January 27, 2026 08:12 PM (2GVsD)
Tiananmen Timmy and his commie bint wife were married on the anniversary of a very special date.
Posted by: Anna Puma at January 27, 2026 08:12 PM (2GVsD)
Tiananmen Timmy and his commie bint wife were married on the anniversary of a very special date.
Posted by: Helena Handbasket at January 27, 2026 08:14 PM (ULPxl)
100
The Minneapolis terrorists are wanting a Bloody Sunday.
But so far only their bad actors are getting popped.
But so far only their bad actors are getting popped.
Posted by: Anna Puma at January 27, 2026 08:14 PM (2GVsD)
101
He's still emperor.
Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at January 27, 2026 08:12 PM (MABZ1)
====
Yea. A testimony to brutal repression.
Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at January 27, 2026 08:12 PM (MABZ1)
====
Yea. A testimony to brutal repression.
Posted by: San Franpsycho at January 27, 2026 08:14 PM (RIvkX)
102
One of the ways to determine if the hijinx in China are seroius or theater is to keep your eye on North Korea. If they start upping the shit talking and playing with their missiles again, it means Xi has more pressing matters than keeping NK on a leash.
Posted by: Orson at January 27, 2026 08:14 PM (dIske)
103
That can't be San Francisco...there's no queers parading around swinging their dicks in kids' faces, there's no zombie-like druggies passed out on the corner, there's no homeless alcoholics pissing in the gutter, there's no psychotic violent criminals roaming about, there's no AWFLs waiving their pro-commie signs around...
Posted by: Angzarr the Cromulent at January 27, 2026 08:16 PM (XMwZJ)
104
Don't know which side is which though -- I always thought the military was way more militant than Xi, but not sure.
Posted by: bob
It was the received wisdom but who knows now.
Posted by: bob
It was the received wisdom but who knows now.
Posted by: weft cut-loop at January 27, 2026 08:16 PM (mlg/3)
105
“For being people so opposed to the death penalty …”
No, that’s not true either.
Example - They are for “free speech” when they are not in power. Once they gain control, free speech went away. Sometimes you’ll hear people say “they hate guns”. No, the love guns. They just don’t want the rabble to be able to defend against their depredations.
It’s something to watch for, when they can start using the state to execute their enemies, they will.
No, that’s not true either.
Example - They are for “free speech” when they are not in power. Once they gain control, free speech went away. Sometimes you’ll hear people say “they hate guns”. No, the love guns. They just don’t want the rabble to be able to defend against their depredations.
It’s something to watch for, when they can start using the state to execute their enemies, they will.
Posted by: Common Tater at January 27, 2026 08:16 PM (tXwiM)
Posted by: Anna Puma at January 27, 2026 08:17 PM (2GVsD)
107
But if you watch any real footage from that era, the cars are a mess.
Posted by: bob (moron incognitus) at January 27, 2026 08:14 PM (YGcde)
++++
Some things were not, in fact, better in the good ole days. Cars really did get better. I think they peaked in the late 90s or early aughts. Good tolerances, good manufacturing, good engineering. Plenty of efficiency, generally very good reliability, decent comfort and a nice spread of features - all without too much high-tech bullshit that makes them impossible to work on or everything being crammed into tiny spaces for CAFE standards - and fewer gee-gaws to break because there was still a desire for something that wasn't a smartphone on wheels.
Posted by: bob (moron incognitus) at January 27, 2026 08:14 PM (YGcde)
++++
Some things were not, in fact, better in the good ole days. Cars really did get better. I think they peaked in the late 90s or early aughts. Good tolerances, good manufacturing, good engineering. Plenty of efficiency, generally very good reliability, decent comfort and a nice spread of features - all without too much high-tech bullshit that makes them impossible to work on or everything being crammed into tiny spaces for CAFE standards - and fewer gee-gaws to break because there was still a desire for something that wasn't a smartphone on wheels.
Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at January 27, 2026 08:17 PM (MABZ1)
108
Its amazing that even in the 20's the Ford model T's look like beat up rusty pieces of shit.
Posted by: Berserker-
-----------
One of my movie peeves is that when you watch a modern movie that takes place in the 70s or earlier, the cars all look pristine -- like show pieces. Clean and shiny with no dents or rust.
But if you watch any real footage from that era, the cars are a mess.
Posted by: bob (moron incognitus)
How long did cars last in the Rust Belt before being rust through?
Five years? And that was after taking it directly from the show room to Ziebart.
Posted by: Berserker-
-----------
One of my movie peeves is that when you watch a modern movie that takes place in the 70s or earlier, the cars all look pristine -- like show pieces. Clean and shiny with no dents or rust.
But if you watch any real footage from that era, the cars are a mess.
Posted by: bob (moron incognitus)
How long did cars last in the Rust Belt before being rust through?
Five years? And that was after taking it directly from the show room to Ziebart.
Posted by: Itinerant Alley Butcher at January 27, 2026 08:18 PM (/lPRQ)
109
A Whereass sounds terrifying. I suppose you have to watch out for the full moon.
Posted by: weft cut-loop at January 27, 2026 08:18 PM (mlg/3)
110
Eygore, "Thereass!"
Posted by: Anna Puma at January 27, 2026 08:18 PM (2GVsD)
111
https://is.gd/vpaDqE
@mattvanswol
My favorite anti-ICE protest clip of all time is when a woman here in Asheville NC shows up to a protest wearing a mask, spells her FULL NAME LIVE ON THE NEWS...
...gets asked why she is wearing a mask
"It's a protective measure against fascism..."
...YOU SPELLED YOUR FULL LEGAL NAME LIVE ON AIR
[video]
@mattvanswol
My favorite anti-ICE protest clip of all time is when a woman here in Asheville NC shows up to a protest wearing a mask, spells her FULL NAME LIVE ON THE NEWS...
...gets asked why she is wearing a mask
"It's a protective measure against fascism..."
...YOU SPELLED YOUR FULL LEGAL NAME LIVE ON AIR
[video]
Posted by: Helena Handbasket at January 27, 2026 08:19 PM (ULPxl)
112
Don't know which side is which though -- I always thought the military was way more militant than Xi, but not sure.
Posted by: bob (moron incognitus) at January 27, 2026 08:09 PM (YGcde)
---
There has been a complete inversion in power curves. Xi's best chance to invade was between 2022 and early 2025, when the military was demoralized and understrength, led by DEI nitwits and distracted by endless ancillary training modules that wasted time better spent on readiness.
I think Trump's belligerency when he came in, demanding parades and flyovers was an attempt to wave off China because we were still really weak. That's why Hegseth did the "all call" for the generals and talked the war talk - he wanted China (and Iran, and Russia) to hear it.
China is now going to be the one wasting training time teaching "Xi Jinping thought" and hunting for counterrevolutionaries.
As to the military, if they have any brains at all, they would regard invading Taiwan with existential dread.
Posted by: bob (moron incognitus) at January 27, 2026 08:09 PM (YGcde)
---
There has been a complete inversion in power curves. Xi's best chance to invade was between 2022 and early 2025, when the military was demoralized and understrength, led by DEI nitwits and distracted by endless ancillary training modules that wasted time better spent on readiness.
I think Trump's belligerency when he came in, demanding parades and flyovers was an attempt to wave off China because we were still really weak. That's why Hegseth did the "all call" for the generals and talked the war talk - he wanted China (and Iran, and Russia) to hear it.
China is now going to be the one wasting training time teaching "Xi Jinping thought" and hunting for counterrevolutionaries.
As to the military, if they have any brains at all, they would regard invading Taiwan with existential dread.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at January 27, 2026 08:19 PM (ZOv7s)
Posted by: Anna Puma at January 27, 2026 08:20 PM (2GVsD)
114
As to the military, if they have any brains at all, they would regard invading Taiwan with existential dread.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at January 27, 2026 08:19 PM (ZOv7s)
++++
Might not need to. The CCP has been playing a very long game of infiltration and subversion in Taiwan. I don't know if Xi is confident enough in his roadmap to take invasion off the table or not, but if he has, it could explain why he is comfortable purging the military and rebuilding it in his own image.
That's getting off into the ragged edges of wild speculation, though.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at January 27, 2026 08:19 PM (ZOv7s)
++++
Might not need to. The CCP has been playing a very long game of infiltration and subversion in Taiwan. I don't know if Xi is confident enough in his roadmap to take invasion off the table or not, but if he has, it could explain why he is comfortable purging the military and rebuilding it in his own image.
That's getting off into the ragged edges of wild speculation, though.
Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at January 27, 2026 08:21 PM (MABZ1)
115
That's what China really needs, Cultural Revolution II: Electric Bougaloo.
Posted by: Anna Puma at January 27, 2026 08:21 PM (2GVsD)
116
That can't be San Francisco...there's no queers parading around swinging their dicks in kids' faces, there's no zombie-like druggies passed out on the corner, there's no homeless alcoholics pissing in the gutter, there's no psychotic violent criminals roaming about, there's no AWFLs waiving their pro-commie signs around...
Posted by: Angzarr the Cromulent at January 27, 2026 08:16 PM (XMwZJ)
Pottersville. I had a nightmare once that looked like that.
Posted by: Angzarr the Cromulent at January 27, 2026 08:16 PM (XMwZJ)
Pottersville. I had a nightmare once that looked like that.
Posted by: George Bailey at January 27, 2026 08:21 PM (wVcYX)
117
>>> 113 Helena
They did take the sharp crayons away from her right?
Posted by: Anna Puma at January 27, 2026 08:20 PM (2GVsD)
Whatever for?!
I suppose it's *possible* she gave a fake name, or the name of someone she doesn't like, but I wouldn't bet on it.
They did take the sharp crayons away from her right?
Posted by: Anna Puma at January 27, 2026 08:20 PM (2GVsD)
Whatever for?!
I suppose it's *possible* she gave a fake name, or the name of someone she doesn't like, but I wouldn't bet on it.
Posted by: Helena Handbasket at January 27, 2026 08:22 PM (ULPxl)
118
111 https://is.gd/vpaDqE
@mattvanswol
My favorite anti-ICE protest clip of all time is when a woman here in Asheville NC shows up to a protest wearing a mask, spells her FULL NAME LIVE ON THE NEWS...
...gets asked why she is wearing a mask
"It's a protective measure against fascism..."
...YOU SPELLED YOUR FULL LEGAL NAME LIVE ON AIR
[video]
Posted by: Helena Handbasket at January 27, 2026 08:19 PM (ULPxl)
Yes, but she's reduced the number of fascism particles that enter her mouth, thereby reducing them to an amount her immune system can resist.
@mattvanswol
My favorite anti-ICE protest clip of all time is when a woman here in Asheville NC shows up to a protest wearing a mask, spells her FULL NAME LIVE ON THE NEWS...
...gets asked why she is wearing a mask
"It's a protective measure against fascism..."
...YOU SPELLED YOUR FULL LEGAL NAME LIVE ON AIR
[video]
Posted by: Helena Handbasket at January 27, 2026 08:19 PM (ULPxl)
Yes, but she's reduced the number of fascism particles that enter her mouth, thereby reducing them to an amount her immune system can resist.
Posted by: Dr. Science Explains The Science TM at January 27, 2026 08:24 PM (8UJw9)
119
One of my movie peeves is that when you watch a modern movie that takes place in the 70s or earlier, the cars all look pristine -- like show pieces. Clean and shiny with no dents or rust.
But if you watch any real footage from that era, the cars are a mess.
Posted by: bob (moron incognitus) at January 27, 2026 08:14 PM (YGcde)
---
My great-grandfather had a car (a Saxon) in 1916, and flat tires were so common that one spare wasn't often enough. You just got out and patched it, pumped it, and put it back on.
As a young driver, I had a small tool kit in the trunk, regularly had to chance flats, carried a bottle of oil because it burned so much, had to check the oil frequently, kept a wire coat hanger for if/when the muffler fell off (it did) and so on. I've never had the check the oil in a modern car. It just tells you. Also, oil changes are far less frequent.
But if you watch any real footage from that era, the cars are a mess.
Posted by: bob (moron incognitus) at January 27, 2026 08:14 PM (YGcde)
---
My great-grandfather had a car (a Saxon) in 1916, and flat tires were so common that one spare wasn't often enough. You just got out and patched it, pumped it, and put it back on.
As a young driver, I had a small tool kit in the trunk, regularly had to chance flats, carried a bottle of oil because it burned so much, had to check the oil frequently, kept a wire coat hanger for if/when the muffler fell off (it did) and so on. I've never had the check the oil in a modern car. It just tells you. Also, oil changes are far less frequent.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at January 27, 2026 08:24 PM (ZOv7s)
120
🐕🦺
Posted by: fd at January 27, 2026 08:24 PM (vFG9F)
121
Feral river otters are territorial little gangsters and will jack you up.
A single pup, not so much.
A single pup, not so much.
Posted by: Rev. Wishbone at January 27, 2026 08:24 PM (oT7pT)
122
Cuba is suffering an almost complete collapse of the power grid on the island. Most appears because the oil they were getting from Venezuela or Mexico for the power plants throughout the island is not coming.
Mex President Scheinbaum has decided to not continue sending oil at the moment because of a dispute she is having with the US and Pres. Trump -- The subtext is that she does not appear to think she can win the argument.
Mex President Scheinbaum has decided to not continue sending oil at the moment because of a dispute she is having with the US and Pres. Trump -- The subtext is that she does not appear to think she can win the argument.
Posted by: Kindltot at January 27, 2026 08:24 PM (rbvCR)
123
That can't be San Francisco...there's no queers parading around swinging their dicks in kids' faces, there's no zombie-like druggies passed out on the corner, there's no homeless alcoholics pissing in the gutter, there's no psychotic violent criminals roaming about, there's no AWFLs waiving their pro-commie signs around...
Posted by: Angzarr the Cromulent at January 27, 2026 08:16 PM (XMwZJ)
++++
I went to SF for the first time in the middle of the last decade. It was a shithole. It smelled of piss. There were aggressive, violent zombies everywhere. Lots of trash. Lots of Graffiti. I was there for a conference, spending the nights at a hotel that ran like $500+ per night and walking through Thunderdome to the Moscone Center and other hotels and restaurants.
I told my mom how awful I found it and she said, "oh, that's sad. It was so nice when I was there."
She was there in 1965. The past is a foreign country.
Posted by: Angzarr the Cromulent at January 27, 2026 08:16 PM (XMwZJ)
++++
I went to SF for the first time in the middle of the last decade. It was a shithole. It smelled of piss. There were aggressive, violent zombies everywhere. Lots of trash. Lots of Graffiti. I was there for a conference, spending the nights at a hotel that ran like $500+ per night and walking through Thunderdome to the Moscone Center and other hotels and restaurants.
I told my mom how awful I found it and she said, "oh, that's sad. It was so nice when I was there."
She was there in 1965. The past is a foreign country.
Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at January 27, 2026 08:25 PM (MABZ1)
124
>>> 114 As to the military, if they have any brains at all, they would regard invading Taiwan with existential dread.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at January 27, 2026 08:19 PM (ZOv7s)
++++
Might not need to. The CCP has been playing a very long game of infiltration and subversion in Taiwan. I don't know if Xi is confident enough in his roadmap to take invasion off the table or not, but if he has, it could explain why he is comfortable purging the military and rebuilding it in his own image.
That's getting off into the ragged edges of wild speculation, though.
Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at January 27, 2026 08:21 PM (MABZ1)
They've been working on that here, too, haven't they?
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at January 27, 2026 08:19 PM (ZOv7s)
++++
Might not need to. The CCP has been playing a very long game of infiltration and subversion in Taiwan. I don't know if Xi is confident enough in his roadmap to take invasion off the table or not, but if he has, it could explain why he is comfortable purging the military and rebuilding it in his own image.
That's getting off into the ragged edges of wild speculation, though.
Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at January 27, 2026 08:21 PM (MABZ1)
They've been working on that here, too, haven't they?
Posted by: Helena Handbasket at January 27, 2026 08:25 PM (ULPxl)
125
Cuba is suffering an almost complete collapse of the power grid on the island. Most appears because the oil they were getting from Venezuela or Mexico for the power plants throughout the island is not coming.
Mex President Scheinbaum has decided to not continue sending oil at the moment because of a dispute she is having with the US and Pres. Trump -- The subtext is that she does not appear to think she can win the argument.
Posted by: Kindltot at January 27, 2026 08:24 PM (rbvCR)
++++
The fall of Cuba became extremely likely when Maduro was taken out.
Mex President Scheinbaum has decided to not continue sending oil at the moment because of a dispute she is having with the US and Pres. Trump -- The subtext is that she does not appear to think she can win the argument.
Posted by: Kindltot at January 27, 2026 08:24 PM (rbvCR)
++++
The fall of Cuba became extremely likely when Maduro was taken out.
Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at January 27, 2026 08:26 PM (MABZ1)
126
We don't have to grease the chassis every 1500 miles anymore either, IYKWIM.
Posted by: fd at January 27, 2026 08:26 PM (vFG9F)
127
Might not need to. The CCP has been playing a very long game of infiltration and subversion in Taiwan.
Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at January 27, 2026 08:21 PM (MABZ1)
---
Taiwan is going to outbreed China the way things are going. There are reports that China's population is already well below official figures, closer to 1.2 billion, some say even less. They've gone off the demographic cliff, and so will be fighting a war with an entire army made of only-child narcissists. I bet public tolerance for casualties will be tiny. There is no welfare, no death benefit, so when your draftee son gets whacked, there goes your hope of retirement.
Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at January 27, 2026 08:21 PM (MABZ1)
---
Taiwan is going to outbreed China the way things are going. There are reports that China's population is already well below official figures, closer to 1.2 billion, some say even less. They've gone off the demographic cliff, and so will be fighting a war with an entire army made of only-child narcissists. I bet public tolerance for casualties will be tiny. There is no welfare, no death benefit, so when your draftee son gets whacked, there goes your hope of retirement.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at January 27, 2026 08:27 PM (ZOv7s)
128
I wonder if anyone has asked Maduro how it feels to be like a Domino's pizza
Posted by: Anna Puma at January 27, 2026 08:27 PM (2GVsD)
129
Its amazing that even in the 20's the Ford model T's look like beat up rusty pieces of shit.
Posted by: Berserker-
The first Model T rolled off the assembly line in 1908.
Posted by: Berserker-
The first Model T rolled off the assembly line in 1908.
Posted by: NemoMeImpuneLacessit at January 27, 2026 08:28 PM (H6cKs)
130
I wish I had one of those Craftsman homes with all the current internal updates.
Posted by: Opinion fact at January 27, 2026 08:28 PM (KDPiq)
131
Taiwan is going to outbreed China the way things are going. There are reports that China's population is already well below official figures, closer to 1.2 billion, some say even less. They've gone off the demographic cliff, and so will be fighting a war with an entire army made of only-child narcissists. I bet public tolerance for casualties will be tiny. There is no welfare, no death benefit, so when your draftee son gets whacked, there goes your hope of retirement.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at January 27, 2026 08:27 PM (ZOv7s)
++++
Yup. And the current recruitment window is post one-child. The policy was reversed more than a decade ago and wasn't enforced for well before that. They are done having kids.
So are we, but we're further back on the curve. Nobody knows what is going to happen. The advanced civilizations have all given up.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at January 27, 2026 08:27 PM (ZOv7s)
++++
Yup. And the current recruitment window is post one-child. The policy was reversed more than a decade ago and wasn't enforced for well before that. They are done having kids.
So are we, but we're further back on the curve. Nobody knows what is going to happen. The advanced civilizations have all given up.
Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at January 27, 2026 08:28 PM (MABZ1)
132
Lloyd
The rich only male children will bribe some poor male peasant to take his place in the PLA.
Some Communism.
The rich only male children will bribe some poor male peasant to take his place in the PLA.
Some Communism.
Posted by: Anna Puma at January 27, 2026 08:29 PM (2GVsD)
133
I'm sure Xi's people believed Biden or Harris would win, and the US would collapse. But we didn't, and now the entire game has changed. I wonder if they knew they were weak, and that was their big hope.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at January 27, 2026 08:29 PM (ZOv7s)
134
The rich only male children will bribe some poor male peasant to take his place in the PLA.
Some Communism.
Posted by: Anna Puma at January 27, 2026 08:29 PM (2GVsD)
++++
Perfect communism. It always goes that way.
Some Communism.
Posted by: Anna Puma at January 27, 2026 08:29 PM (2GVsD)
++++
Perfect communism. It always goes that way.
Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at January 27, 2026 08:29 PM (MABZ1)
135
But if you watch any real footage from that era, the cars are a mess.
Posted by: bob
I grew up in NE Ohio around all the steel mills. The first time I traveled down south I simply could not get over the fact that the cars didn't have rust all over them.
I was shocked.
Posted by: bob
I grew up in NE Ohio around all the steel mills. The first time I traveled down south I simply could not get over the fact that the cars didn't have rust all over them.
I was shocked.
Posted by: Tonypete at January 27, 2026 08:30 PM (cYBz/)
136
I hope enough people are waking up to the fact that this is not going to stop until we stop them.
Posted by: JackStraw
Yes.
The Marxists have been playtesting how to defeat us. And we have been giving them infinite respawns. That's madness.
The Marxists may be many things but Stupid is not one of them. Given time, they will eventually figure it out. And generations will be enslaved in poverty to die of mass starvation or freeze to death.
Worse, I'm afraid America is more of a miracle than we appreciate. The Founding Fathers may have been unique. Even if a Marxist tyranny is eventually overthrown, the elements necessary to forge the dream that was Rome may no longer exist.
If we fail, it will be the 2nd Fall of Atlantis. We will blur into legend, and then myth. We have an obligation to humanity to not let this Republic fall.
Posted by: JackStraw
Yes.
The Marxists have been playtesting how to defeat us. And we have been giving them infinite respawns. That's madness.
The Marxists may be many things but Stupid is not one of them. Given time, they will eventually figure it out. And generations will be enslaved in poverty to die of mass starvation or freeze to death.
Worse, I'm afraid America is more of a miracle than we appreciate. The Founding Fathers may have been unique. Even if a Marxist tyranny is eventually overthrown, the elements necessary to forge the dream that was Rome may no longer exist.
If we fail, it will be the 2nd Fall of Atlantis. We will blur into legend, and then myth. We have an obligation to humanity to not let this Republic fall.
Posted by: Fen at January 27, 2026 08:30 PM (ciYHQ)
Posted by: Moe Hailstone of Moronica at January 27, 2026 08:31 PM (wVcYX)
138
Oil changes were recommended every 2 months or 1000 miles prior to the 1950s, prior to detergent type multi-viscosity lubricants and oil filters hit the scene.
Model T looked spindly, but they were tough as nails. They had to be. Ford engineers discovered Vanadium as an alloy for steel, and used it in axles. It lends remarkable properties to steel, there’s a photo of an axle being twisted like a pretzel. It would be able to be unwound with no damage.
Model T looked spindly, but they were tough as nails. They had to be. Ford engineers discovered Vanadium as an alloy for steel, and used it in axles. It lends remarkable properties to steel, there’s a photo of an axle being twisted like a pretzel. It would be able to be unwound with no damage.
Posted by: Common Tater at January 27, 2026 08:31 PM (tXwiM)
139
Pottersville. I had a nightmare once that looked like that.
Posted by: George Bailey at January 27, 2026 08:21 PM (wVcYX)
Mr Potter had money because the savings and loan had leveraged out its investments through fractional reserve practices.
Posted by: George Bailey at January 27, 2026 08:21 PM (wVcYX)
Mr Potter had money because the savings and loan had leveraged out its investments through fractional reserve practices.
Posted by: Kindltot at January 27, 2026 08:31 PM (rbvCR)
140
The rich only male children will bribe some poor male peasant to take his place in the PLA.
Some Communism.
Posted by: Anna Puma at January 27, 2026 08:29 PM (2GVsD)
---
Of course. Chinese culture considers military service to be shameful, bandits with uniforms. The Chicoms tried to change that, but as I've said before, the US and Chinese militaries are roughly the same size in terms of total force.
The US is able to sustain itself using voluntary recruitment and did so despite fighting two increasingly unpopular wars. Recruiting collapsed under Biden, but is now going like gangbusters.
With four times the population, China must use conscription to fill out the ranks. BTW, one of the generals just placed under arrest was part of the military aristocracy, a career officer son of one of Mao's generals. His dad was buddies with Xi's dad. So what little military culture they have is being torn apart.
Some Communism.
Posted by: Anna Puma at January 27, 2026 08:29 PM (2GVsD)
---
Of course. Chinese culture considers military service to be shameful, bandits with uniforms. The Chicoms tried to change that, but as I've said before, the US and Chinese militaries are roughly the same size in terms of total force.
The US is able to sustain itself using voluntary recruitment and did so despite fighting two increasingly unpopular wars. Recruiting collapsed under Biden, but is now going like gangbusters.
With four times the population, China must use conscription to fill out the ranks. BTW, one of the generals just placed under arrest was part of the military aristocracy, a career officer son of one of Mao's generals. His dad was buddies with Xi's dad. So what little military culture they have is being torn apart.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at January 27, 2026 08:33 PM (ZOv7s)
141
What? No. I wasn't preening in front of the mirror.
Was not!
But do you think this is my good side?
Was not!
But do you think this is my good side?
Posted by: Fen at January 27, 2026 08:33 PM (ciYHQ)
Posted by: Anna Puma at January 27, 2026 08:34 PM (2GVsD)
143
We don't have to grease the chassis every 1500 miles anymore either, IYKWIM.
Posted by: fd
Related: after 70 years or so this comes in handy -
(links to Amazon)
https://t.ly/FUcGR
Posted by: fd
Related: after 70 years or so this comes in handy -
(links to Amazon)
https://t.ly/FUcGR
Posted by: Tonypete at January 27, 2026 08:34 PM (cYBz/)
144
Bailey was giving loans to people who could not pay them back.
Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at January 27, 2026 08:35 PM (zZu0s)
145
Related: after 70 years or so this comes in handy -
(links to Amazon)
https://t.ly/FUcGR
Posted by: Tonypete at January 27, 2026 08:34 PM (cYBz/)
++++
Classic
(links to Amazon)
https://t.ly/FUcGR
Posted by: Tonypete at January 27, 2026 08:34 PM (cYBz/)
++++
Classic
Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at January 27, 2026 08:35 PM (MABZ1)
146
>There are a bunch of castles in the Rhineland that have been updated to be residences. All of them were destroyed by Louis XIV and the locals are still pissed about it.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at January 27, 2026 07:54 PM (ZOv7s)
IIRC, the technical term for destroying a castle is "slighting".
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at January 27, 2026 07:54 PM (ZOv7s)
IIRC, the technical term for destroying a castle is "slighting".
Posted by: Rodrigo Borgia at January 27, 2026 08:36 PM (IG3/x)
147
So are we, but we're further back on the curve. Nobody knows what is going to happen. The advanced civilizations have all given up.
Couples in my church are having children: many have 3, 4 or more. The future is for those who show up.
Couples in my church are having children: many have 3, 4 or more. The future is for those who show up.
Posted by: NemoMeImpuneLacessit at January 27, 2026 08:36 PM (H6cKs)
148
That sounds like what Stalin did with the officer corps just before Adolf played tourist.
Posted by: Anna Puma at January 27, 2026 08:34 PM (2GVsD)
---
Yes, but Stalin still had a deep bench of combat-experienced men and a much stronger military culture. Also, the Russians took weapons seriously because they were more paranoid than Communist.
Chicoms have no military culture, and will happily sell cheap, defective equipment to the troops to make a buck, and flee to Vancouver when the fuzz rolls in.
Posted by: Anna Puma at January 27, 2026 08:34 PM (2GVsD)
---
Yes, but Stalin still had a deep bench of combat-experienced men and a much stronger military culture. Also, the Russians took weapons seriously because they were more paranoid than Communist.
Chicoms have no military culture, and will happily sell cheap, defective equipment to the troops to make a buck, and flee to Vancouver when the fuzz rolls in.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at January 27, 2026 08:37 PM (ZOv7s)
149
Recently clarified a question I never bothered to learn the answer to. Some simple things I learned,
The difference between Mandarin and Cantonese.
It’s not understood by the other .
Cantonese is the main language of Chinese immigrants to the west. It’s spoken in Hong Kong,Macau
Mandarin is the official language of China and as you can imagine the CCP pushes its use and doesn’t allow broadcasts or school use of Cantonese in a lot of Cantonese areas.
The difference between Mandarin and Cantonese.
It’s not understood by the other .
Cantonese is the main language of Chinese immigrants to the west. It’s spoken in Hong Kong,Macau
Mandarin is the official language of China and as you can imagine the CCP pushes its use and doesn’t allow broadcasts or school use of Cantonese in a lot of Cantonese areas.
Posted by: Opinion fact at January 27, 2026 08:37 PM (KDPiq)
150
This bikini blonde with a bit of underboob wouldn't mind a night in a fairytale castle:
http://tiny.cc/9m7y001
http://tiny.cc/9m7y001
Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at January 27, 2026 08:37 PM (MABZ1)
151
Hmmm. The Chinese look down on military culture while the Japanese worshiped it.
Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at January 27, 2026 08:37 PM (zZu0s)
152
Bailey was giving loans to people who could not pay them back.
Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at January 27, 2026 08:35 PM (zZu0s)
---
So like Bush, Obama and Biden?
Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at January 27, 2026 08:35 PM (zZu0s)
---
So like Bush, Obama and Biden?
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at January 27, 2026 08:37 PM (ZOv7s)
Posted by: Kindltot at January 27, 2026 08:38 PM (rbvCR)
154
> Some Communism.
Posted by: Anna Puma at January 27, 2026 08:29 PM (2GVsD)
Hold our beer and watch us stretch the definition far enough to cover a hereditary monarchy..
Posted by: Anna Puma at January 27, 2026 08:29 PM (2GVsD)
Hold our beer and watch us stretch the definition far enough to cover a hereditary monarchy..
Posted by: North Korea at January 27, 2026 08:38 PM (IG3/x)
155
Couples in my church are having children: many have 3, 4 or more. The future is for those who show up.
Posted by: NemoMeImpuneLacessit at January 27, 2026 08:36 PM (H6cKs)
++++
Indeed, and not enough are choosing to show up. If I have to guess, it will end in conquest. But who knows. We could *possibly* turn it around. The Far East is too far gone, as is most of Western Europe. France *might* be able to, as well. Odds are against it.
Posted by: NemoMeImpuneLacessit at January 27, 2026 08:36 PM (H6cKs)
++++
Indeed, and not enough are choosing to show up. If I have to guess, it will end in conquest. But who knows. We could *possibly* turn it around. The Far East is too far gone, as is most of Western Europe. France *might* be able to, as well. Odds are against it.
Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at January 27, 2026 08:39 PM (MABZ1)
156
144 Bailey was giving loans to people who could not pay them back.
Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at January
But they were paying them back!
Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at January
But they were paying them back!
Posted by: Piper at January 27, 2026 08:39 PM (Dd38x)
157
Looks more like Stalin after the war, purging all of the heroes
Posted by: Accomack at January 27, 2026 08:39 PM (T8bqm)
158
Hmmm. The Chinese look down on military culture while the Japanese worshiped it.
Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at January 27, 2026 08:37 PM (zZu0s)
---
Both societies have a four-tier hierarchy. For the Chinese, the Scholar-Bureaucrat is at the top of the stack. Then the peasant, then the artisan, and finally the merchant.
The Japanese put the Samurai on top. The results speak for themselves.
Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at January 27, 2026 08:37 PM (zZu0s)
---
Both societies have a four-tier hierarchy. For the Chinese, the Scholar-Bureaucrat is at the top of the stack. Then the peasant, then the artisan, and finally the merchant.
The Japanese put the Samurai on top. The results speak for themselves.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at January 27, 2026 08:39 PM (ZOv7s)
159
The Japanese put the Samurai on top. The results speak for themselves.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at January 27, 2026 08:39 PM (ZOv7s)
++++
Atomic ash?
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at January 27, 2026 08:39 PM (ZOv7s)
++++
Atomic ash?
Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at January 27, 2026 08:40 PM (MABZ1)
160
Burg Eltz! My favorite castle. Was there as a youngun waaay back in the day, and last there in 2007 with daughters. A three family-tree branch castle of the Eltz family, it is still owned by an Eltz. Worth the visit.
Posted by: Patches at January 27, 2026 08:40 PM (BkZ3B)
161
In the 70’s the commie protestors and Lefty domestic terrorists were far far worse than what we are seeing today. We can’t relax but I’m not scared of them.
Posted by: Opinion fact at January 27, 2026 08:40 PM (KDPiq)
162
Just now, someone sprayed Omar with something:
"Omar, who represents Minneapolis in Congress was speaking at a town hall...
a man was seen running toward the podium Omar was speaking at and spraying the mystery substance at her from what appears to be a syringe. "
"Omar, who represents Minneapolis in Congress was speaking at a town hall...
a man was seen running toward the podium Omar was speaking at and spraying the mystery substance at her from what appears to be a syringe. "
Posted by: fd at January 27, 2026 08:40 PM (vFG9F)
163
We be thinks Presdent Obana should go two that's Minneapoloss place two fix the mess that's idiot Trump maid.
Posted by: Mary Cloggistein from Brattleboro, Vt at January 27, 2026 08:41 PM (xl8DV)
164
Just now, someone sprayed Omar with something:
"Omar, who represents Minneapolis in Congress was speaking at a town hall...
a man was seen running toward the podium Omar was speaking at and spraying the mystery substance at her from what appears to be a syringe. "
Posted by: fd at January 27, 2026 08:40 PM (vFG9F)
++++
Her people are known for acid attacks. I doubt that's what it was.
"Omar, who represents Minneapolis in Congress was speaking at a town hall...
a man was seen running toward the podium Omar was speaking at and spraying the mystery substance at her from what appears to be a syringe. "
Posted by: fd at January 27, 2026 08:40 PM (vFG9F)
++++
Her people are known for acid attacks. I doubt that's what it was.
Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at January 27, 2026 08:42 PM (MABZ1)
165
Indeed, and not enough are choosing to show up. If I have to guess, it will end in conquest. But who knows. We could *possibly* turn it around. The Far East is too far gone, as is most of Western Europe. France *might* be able to, as well. Odds are against it.
Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at January 27, 2026 08:39 PM (MABZ1)
---
There is a generational religious revival happening in the US. It's being led by young men, which is unique, as women tend to be more religious.
It will be uneven, with liberals effectively self-deleting while Christians becoming a much larger demographic. The decline of Christian faith has stopped and is starting to tick back up. I'm noticing lots of young families at Mass these days. More than I've ever seen.
Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at January 27, 2026 08:39 PM (MABZ1)
---
There is a generational religious revival happening in the US. It's being led by young men, which is unique, as women tend to be more religious.
It will be uneven, with liberals effectively self-deleting while Christians becoming a much larger demographic. The decline of Christian faith has stopped and is starting to tick back up. I'm noticing lots of young families at Mass these days. More than I've ever seen.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at January 27, 2026 08:43 PM (ZOv7s)
166
Ok. In good faith, I have a question
What can we the people do about this? Do about any of this? I’m not going to go into a Seattle ICE Protest and start confronting people. I’m not going to yell at people wearing stupid buttons on their shirts. I’m not going to confront patients when they say stupid shit. Honestly, how can I be of any help?
I will not be bullied if directly confronted. But I won’t be stupid and get the shit beat out of me to be pure.
How can I help?
What can we the people do about this? Do about any of this? I’m not going to go into a Seattle ICE Protest and start confronting people. I’m not going to yell at people wearing stupid buttons on their shirts. I’m not going to confront patients when they say stupid shit. Honestly, how can I be of any help?
I will not be bullied if directly confronted. But I won’t be stupid and get the shit beat out of me to be pure.
How can I help?
Posted by: nurse ratched at January 27, 2026 08:44 PM (IhIKR)
167
Atomic ash?
Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at January 27, 2026 08:40 PM (MABZ1)
---
Would you rather live in Hiroshima or Detroit?
Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at January 27, 2026 08:40 PM (MABZ1)
---
Would you rather live in Hiroshima or Detroit?
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at January 27, 2026 08:44 PM (ZOv7s)
168
The difference between Mandarin and Cantonese.
It’s not understood by the other .
Posted by: Opinion
---------------
Spoken.
But written, they are the same (mostly.)
That is the dilemma of a non-phonetic written language.
The funny bit is the Japanese use a derivative character set, and that means there can be dozens of ways to pronounce each character depending on how it is used, which depends of when and from where it got imported into Japan.
It’s not understood by the other .
Posted by: Opinion
---------------
Spoken.
But written, they are the same (mostly.)
That is the dilemma of a non-phonetic written language.
The funny bit is the Japanese use a derivative character set, and that means there can be dozens of ways to pronounce each character depending on how it is used, which depends of when and from where it got imported into Japan.
Posted by: bob (moron incognitus) at January 27, 2026 08:44 PM (YGcde)
169
It will be uneven, with liberals effectively self-deleting while Christians becoming a much larger demographic. The decline of Christian faith has stopped and is starting to tick back up. I'm noticing lots of young families at Mass these days. More than I've ever seen.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at January 27, 2026 08:43 PM (ZOv7s)
++++
That is, I think, the *only* chance of a turnaround. Then if we just survive the dip, it might be okay.
A new "Great Awakening" is what I hope for. It's too late for many, but if the youth can do it, they can own the future lock, stock and barrel.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at January 27, 2026 08:43 PM (ZOv7s)
++++
That is, I think, the *only* chance of a turnaround. Then if we just survive the dip, it might be okay.
A new "Great Awakening" is what I hope for. It's too late for many, but if the youth can do it, they can own the future lock, stock and barrel.
Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at January 27, 2026 08:44 PM (MABZ1)
170
Did he yell 'This is MAGA Country!'?
Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at January 27, 2026 08:45 PM (zZu0s)
171
Happy cafe! I am stuffed from dinner. How is everyone?
Posted by: Piper
==============
We're fine! We were talking about Ilhan Omar's wardrobe and styling a thread or two ago. You might have been interested.
Happy cafe! I am stuffed from dinner. How is everyone?
Posted by: Piper
==============
We're fine! We were talking about Ilhan Omar's wardrobe and styling a thread or two ago. You might have been interested.
Posted by: No Hablo Ingles at January 27, 2026 08:45 PM (Px6E0)
172
Would you rather live in Hiroshima or Detroit?
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at January 27, 2026 08:44 PM (ZOv7s)
++++
Prewar? War era? Detroit. Hands down. No question. Same for the decade or so following the War.
Now? Hiroshima.
Entrenched corrupt leftism is the most destructive force ever discovered. Nukes pale in comparison.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at January 27, 2026 08:44 PM (ZOv7s)
++++
Prewar? War era? Detroit. Hands down. No question. Same for the decade or so following the War.
Now? Hiroshima.
Entrenched corrupt leftism is the most destructive force ever discovered. Nukes pale in comparison.
Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at January 27, 2026 08:46 PM (MABZ1)
173
Just now, someone sprayed Omar with something:
"Omar, who represents Minneapolis in Congress was speaking at a town hall...
a man was seen running toward the podium Omar was speaking at and spraying the mystery substance at her from what appears to be a syringe. "
Posted by: fd
The right tool for the right job, people. Syringes are personal-space weapons. Get a super soaker.
"Omar, who represents Minneapolis in Congress was speaking at a town hall...
a man was seen running toward the podium Omar was speaking at and spraying the mystery substance at her from what appears to be a syringe. "
Posted by: fd
The right tool for the right job, people. Syringes are personal-space weapons. Get a super soaker.
Posted by: mikeski at January 27, 2026 08:46 PM (VHUov)
174
Representative Omar, who represents Minneapolis in Congress was speaking at a town hall when a man wearing a Trump Shirt was seen running toward the podium Omar was speaking at and spraying the mystery substance at her from what appears to be a syringe. "
CNN is reporting that screamed that Trump is great and Ms. Omar is a pig. Gov. Walz is calling for an investigation into this terrorist act and disrespect of an Honest Official US Government Official. Also investigate Trump's Obvious involvement.
CNN is reporting that screamed that Trump is great and Ms. Omar is a pig. Gov. Walz is calling for an investigation into this terrorist act and disrespect of an Honest Official US Government Official. Also investigate Trump's Obvious involvement.
Posted by: CNN Breaking News at January 27, 2026 08:47 PM (J9q9v)
175
NY Post has a pic of the syringe. It looks like piss.
Posted by: fd at January 27, 2026 08:47 PM (vFG9F)
176
CNN is reporting that screamed that Trump is great and Ms. Omar is a pig. Gov. Walz is calling for an investigation into this terrorist act and disrespect of an Honest Official US Government Official. Also investigate Trump's Obvious involvement.
Posted by: CNN Breaking News at January 27, 2026 08:47 PM (J9q9v)
++++
I believed it until I saw the sock.
We're through the looking glass.
Posted by: CNN Breaking News at January 27, 2026 08:47 PM (J9q9v)
++++
I believed it until I saw the sock.
We're through the looking glass.
Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at January 27, 2026 08:47 PM (MABZ1)
177
IIRC, the technical term for destroying a castle is "slighting".
Posted by: Rodrigo Borgia
--------------
Yes, and it was done to reduce status of the owners. Ordered by the King.
I find it funny when these history programs show castles in ruins and then never mention why and how it got slighted. Usually it is because the owner fell into disfavor and the king didn't want them to have a defensive fortification which could be a threat.
Posted by: Rodrigo Borgia
--------------
Yes, and it was done to reduce status of the owners. Ordered by the King.
I find it funny when these history programs show castles in ruins and then never mention why and how it got slighted. Usually it is because the owner fell into disfavor and the king didn't want them to have a defensive fortification which could be a threat.
Posted by: bob (moron incognitus) at January 27, 2026 08:48 PM (YGcde)
178
The funny bit is the Japanese use a derivative character set, and that means there can be dozens of ways to pronounce each character depending on how it is used, which depends of when and from where it got imported into Japan.
Posted by: bob (moron incognitus) at January 27, 2026 08:44 PM (YGcde)
---
The Japanese rapidly translated European books of science and then the Chinese devoured them. They ignored Europeans as barbarians to their great detriment.
The other day in a hospital, I saw the usual multi-lingual sign, but for the first time pondered how close Mandarin and Japanese writings are.
Of course, there's old Mandarin and new Mandarin. Taiwan uses the older form, China the newer. But I think it's style, not characters per se.
Posted by: bob (moron incognitus) at January 27, 2026 08:44 PM (YGcde)
---
The Japanese rapidly translated European books of science and then the Chinese devoured them. They ignored Europeans as barbarians to their great detriment.
The other day in a hospital, I saw the usual multi-lingual sign, but for the first time pondered how close Mandarin and Japanese writings are.
Of course, there's old Mandarin and new Mandarin. Taiwan uses the older form, China the newer. But I think it's style, not characters per se.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at January 27, 2026 08:48 PM (ZOv7s)
179
But they were paying them back!
Posted by: Piper at January 27, 2026 08:39 PM (Dd38x)
And George was able to get the creditors to accept a delay in repayment, which was a financial hit, but he managed to head off the panic. It doesn't change the fact that he broke his own bank and had to negotiate repayment and/or reorganization with the creditors.
Without that, Potter could have scooped it all up at a discount from the ruins, since unlike Bailey, he had ready cash reserves.
Posted by: Piper at January 27, 2026 08:39 PM (Dd38x)
And George was able to get the creditors to accept a delay in repayment, which was a financial hit, but he managed to head off the panic. It doesn't change the fact that he broke his own bank and had to negotiate repayment and/or reorganization with the creditors.
Without that, Potter could have scooped it all up at a discount from the ruins, since unlike Bailey, he had ready cash reserves.
Posted by: Kindltot at January 27, 2026 08:48 PM (rbvCR)
Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at January 27, 2026 08:48 PM (zZu0s)
181
Probably just a syringe of ICE water.
Posted by: BarelyScaryMary at January 27, 2026 08:48 PM (lpTXP)
182
Top pic: What a quaint little cottage.
When I see such places, I always wonder at their Windex budget. And for the staff dusting.
When I see such places, I always wonder at their Windex budget. And for the staff dusting.
Posted by: mindful webworker - on the job at January 27, 2026 08:49 PM (OJSFI)
183
Yes, and it was done to reduce status of the owners. Ordered by the King.
Posted by: bob (moron incognitus) at January 27, 2026 08:48 PM (YGcde)
---
Yeah, that's not what happened to the Rhineland. Louis XIV invaded and occupied it, and was compelled to retreat. Rather than just go, he set fire to all the towns and villages and had the castles leveled. If there was any chance the Rhineland would ever end up as part of France, that ended it.
Posted by: bob (moron incognitus) at January 27, 2026 08:48 PM (YGcde)
---
Yeah, that's not what happened to the Rhineland. Louis XIV invaded and occupied it, and was compelled to retreat. Rather than just go, he set fire to all the towns and villages and had the castles leveled. If there was any chance the Rhineland would ever end up as part of France, that ended it.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at January 27, 2026 08:50 PM (ZOv7s)
184
It’s Tummy Rub Tuesday!
Rub rub rub those fuzzy furry bellies!
Posted by: nurse ratched
*pets MegaRoy*
*sneaks in a tummy rub*
*draws back stumpy fingers*
It's a trap. Don't do it.
He really doesn't care, sometimes it's leave me alone i'm sleep___ here, sometimes it's okay, i like this. Random. Just enough to make me try again.
He said "mrrrp" to Lucy, though.
It’s Tummy Rub Tuesday!
Rub rub rub those fuzzy furry bellies!
Posted by: nurse ratched
*pets MegaRoy*
*sneaks in a tummy rub*
*draws back stumpy fingers*
It's a trap. Don't do it.
He really doesn't care, sometimes it's leave me alone i'm sleep___ here, sometimes it's okay, i like this. Random. Just enough to make me try again.
He said "mrrrp" to Lucy, though.
Posted by: BifBewalski- at January 27, 2026 08:51 PM (QVmho)
185
We can’t relax but I’m not scared of them.
Posted by: Opinion fact
Good. Their corruption has handicapped them. I really love how that seems to always work out. They gotten so lazy with personal attacks that many no longer know how to form an argument.
And they've created a victim hierarchy that crybullies to compete for status unified only by their hatred of straight white males. Delusional and paranoid, left to their own devices they will turn on each other and tear themselves to bits.
But why should they have all the fun when we can give them a push?
Posted by: Opinion fact
Good. Their corruption has handicapped them. I really love how that seems to always work out. They gotten so lazy with personal attacks that many no longer know how to form an argument.
And they've created a victim hierarchy that crybullies to compete for status unified only by their hatred of straight white males. Delusional and paranoid, left to their own devices they will turn on each other and tear themselves to bits.
But why should they have all the fun when we can give them a push?
Posted by: Fen at January 27, 2026 08:52 PM (ciYHQ)
186
And George was able to get the creditors to accept a delay in repayment, which was a financial hit, but he managed to head off the panic. It doesn't change the fact that he broke his own bank and had to negotiate repayment and/or reorganization with the creditors.
Without that, Potter could have scooped it all up at a discount from the ruins, since unlike Bailey, he had ready cash reserves.
Posted by: Kindltot at January 27, 2026 08:48 PM (rbvCR)
---
The modern version where we screw everyone out of everything is not an improvement.
The reminds me of "Noble House," where John Rhys-Davies launches a bank run on a Hong Kong mid-sized bank just for a lark.
Without that, Potter could have scooped it all up at a discount from the ruins, since unlike Bailey, he had ready cash reserves.
Posted by: Kindltot at January 27, 2026 08:48 PM (rbvCR)
---
The modern version where we screw everyone out of everything is not an improvement.
The reminds me of "Noble House," where John Rhys-Davies launches a bank run on a Hong Kong mid-sized bank just for a lark.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at January 27, 2026 08:53 PM (ZOv7s)
187
The funny bit is the Japanese use a derivative character set, and that means there can be dozens of ways to pronounce each character depending on how it is used, which depends of when and from where it got imported into Japan.
When I was teaching physics at the university a Chinese colleague related how easy it was for him to do research in Japan because he could read all the signs and newspapers.
When I was teaching physics at the university a Chinese colleague related how easy it was for him to do research in Japan because he could read all the signs and newspapers.
Posted by: NemoMeImpuneLacessit at January 27, 2026 08:54 PM (H6cKs)
188
And they've created a victim hierarchy that crybullies to compete for status unified only by their hatred of straight white males. Delusional and paranoid, left to their own devices they will turn on each other and tear themselves to bits.
But why should they have all the fun when we can give them a push?
Posted by: Fen at January 27, 2026 08:52 PM (ciYHQ)
---
They are increasingly led by the idiot children of their cunningly evil founders.
They are still dangerous, but we're now able to trace and sever their logistics. Wars turn on such things. Take away the pay, and the army dissolves without giving battle.
But why should they have all the fun when we can give them a push?
Posted by: Fen at January 27, 2026 08:52 PM (ciYHQ)
---
They are increasingly led by the idiot children of their cunningly evil founders.
They are still dangerous, but we're now able to trace and sever their logistics. Wars turn on such things. Take away the pay, and the army dissolves without giving battle.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at January 27, 2026 08:55 PM (ZOv7s)
189
F**k this weather.
Posted by: Bulg at January 27, 2026 08:55 PM (77rzZ)
190
The difference between Mandarin and Cantonese.
It’s not understood by the other .
Posted by: Opinion
Spoken.
But written, they are the same (mostly.)
That is the dilemma of a non-phonetic written language.
The funny bit is the Japanese use a derivative character set, and that means there can be dozens of ways to pronounce each character depending on how it is used, which depends of when and from where it got imported into Japan.
Posted by: bob (moron incognitus)
Japanese also has a much more complex grammar. They "borrowed" writing from the Chinese, then realized it wasn't good enough to map to their spoken language. So they invented an alphabet (a syllabary, actually, since every character is a syllable, not a phoneme) to add on to the Chinese. Mostly for conjugation.
So Japanese has kanji (Chinese pictograms), plus hiragana and katakana (which cover the same sounds, sort of like cursive vs block printing). Hiragana is used for most "Japanese" words, and katakana for transliterated foreign words. Katakana is also used for uncommon animal names (nobody expects you to remember the kanji for "blue-footed booby") and for emphasis, like typing in ALL CAPS.
It’s not understood by the other .
Posted by: Opinion
Spoken.
But written, they are the same (mostly.)
That is the dilemma of a non-phonetic written language.
The funny bit is the Japanese use a derivative character set, and that means there can be dozens of ways to pronounce each character depending on how it is used, which depends of when and from where it got imported into Japan.
Posted by: bob (moron incognitus)
Japanese also has a much more complex grammar. They "borrowed" writing from the Chinese, then realized it wasn't good enough to map to their spoken language. So they invented an alphabet (a syllabary, actually, since every character is a syllable, not a phoneme) to add on to the Chinese. Mostly for conjugation.
So Japanese has kanji (Chinese pictograms), plus hiragana and katakana (which cover the same sounds, sort of like cursive vs block printing). Hiragana is used for most "Japanese" words, and katakana for transliterated foreign words. Katakana is also used for uncommon animal names (nobody expects you to remember the kanji for "blue-footed booby") and for emphasis, like typing in ALL CAPS.
Posted by: mikeski at January 27, 2026 08:55 PM (VHUov)
191
When I was teaching physics at the university a Chinese colleague related how easy it was for him to do research in Japan because he could read all the signs and newspapers.
Posted by: NemoMeImpuneLacessit at January 27, 2026 08:54 PM (H6cKs)
---
China has a bunch of dialects that are completely incomprehensible, but they all use the same characters, so in terms of signs and notices, written documents, it doesn't matter.
Posted by: NemoMeImpuneLacessit at January 27, 2026 08:54 PM (H6cKs)
---
China has a bunch of dialects that are completely incomprehensible, but they all use the same characters, so in terms of signs and notices, written documents, it doesn't matter.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at January 27, 2026 08:56 PM (ZOv7s)
192
133 I'm sure Xi's people believed Biden or Harris would win, and the US would collapse. But we didn't, and now the entire game has changed. I wonder if they knew they were weak, and that was their big hope.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at January 27, 2026 08:29 PM (ZOv7s)
____________________
The fact that Xi didn't make his Taiwan move during President Auto Pen's reign sort of telegraphed their current state. And, as I've said before, keep an eye on how many riot police Beijing hires at a time. That gives you an idea of the state of the outer Provinces. Last hiring was about 6 months ago...300,000 new Riot police. My cousin was over there just a couple of months ago and said she was surprised by the overall attitude of the people she met (family included). They are losing their "compliance at all costs" attitude, and questioning high level decisions. Lots of factory jobs have been lost, and workers are not happy. The AI push isn't being taken well either. Then add that people are being locked out of their homes if their credit score below a certain threshold. Lots of new homeless in China.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at January 27, 2026 08:29 PM (ZOv7s)
____________________
The fact that Xi didn't make his Taiwan move during President Auto Pen's reign sort of telegraphed their current state. And, as I've said before, keep an eye on how many riot police Beijing hires at a time. That gives you an idea of the state of the outer Provinces. Last hiring was about 6 months ago...300,000 new Riot police. My cousin was over there just a couple of months ago and said she was surprised by the overall attitude of the people she met (family included). They are losing their "compliance at all costs" attitude, and questioning high level decisions. Lots of factory jobs have been lost, and workers are not happy. The AI push isn't being taken well either. Then add that people are being locked out of their homes if their credit score below a certain threshold. Lots of new homeless in China.
Posted by: Orson at January 27, 2026 08:57 PM (dIske)
193
This bikini blonde with a bit of underboob wouldn't mind a night in a fairytale castle:
http://tiny.cc/9m7y001
Posted by: Joe Mannix
If her fairytale incorporates being severely dissapointed...I'm all in.
This bikini blonde with a bit of underboob wouldn't mind a night in a fairytale castle:
http://tiny.cc/9m7y001
Posted by: Joe Mannix
If her fairytale incorporates being severely dissapointed...I'm all in.
Posted by: BifBewalski- at January 27, 2026 08:57 PM (QVmho)
194
The Chinese “dialects” are separate languages. Same with Arabic “dialects.”
Posted by: Bulg at January 27, 2026 08:58 PM (77rzZ)
195
They don't have much to do in Minnesota do they.
Posted by: Case at January 27, 2026 08:58 PM (E7+ue)
196
Mortgages prior to World War 2 were usually seven year notes, 50% down, callable at any time. If you wanted a property in particular , go to the bank and pay off the mortgage and then in turn demand payment in full.
Lots of Hollywood movie plots revolved around this. Widow Jenny will lose the Ranch because of Evil Mr. Moneybags is demanding full payment of the mortgage.
Lots of Hollywood movie plots revolved around this. Widow Jenny will lose the Ranch because of Evil Mr. Moneybags is demanding full payment of the mortgage.
Posted by: Common Tater at January 27, 2026 08:59 PM (ZvpQu)
197
If we fail, it will be the 2nd Fall of Atlantis
Well yeah. Tolkien's Akallabeth was an analogy between Numenor and the US. Numenor comes to Middle-Earth to defeat Sauron, which it does, but only to be corrupted, because Numenor by then already had turned from the way of the Valar.
Well yeah. Tolkien's Akallabeth was an analogy between Numenor and the US. Numenor comes to Middle-Earth to defeat Sauron, which it does, but only to be corrupted, because Numenor by then already had turned from the way of the Valar.
Posted by: gKWVE at January 27, 2026 08:59 PM (gKWVE)
198
They are losing their "compliance at all costs" attitude, and questioning high level decisions. Lots of factory jobs have been lost, and workers are not happy. The AI push isn't being taken well either. Then add that people are being locked out of their homes if their credit score below a certain threshold. Lots of new homeless in China.
Posted by: Orson at January 27, 2026 08:57 PM (dIske)
---
The Chinese are funny. They are totally obedient and long-suffering and then a switch if flipped and they go all Red Turbans/Taiping/Boxer Rebellion on your ass, and they don't care how many of them you kill because they are ANGRY.
Posted by: Orson at January 27, 2026 08:57 PM (dIske)
---
The Chinese are funny. They are totally obedient and long-suffering and then a switch if flipped and they go all Red Turbans/Taiping/Boxer Rebellion on your ass, and they don't care how many of them you kill because they are ANGRY.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at January 27, 2026 08:59 PM (ZOv7s)
199
Well yeah. Tolkien's Akallabeth was an analogy between Numenor and the US. Numenor comes to Middle-Earth to defeat Sauron, which it does, but only to be corrupted, because Numenor by then already had turned from the way of the Valar.
Posted by: gKWVE at January 27, 2026 08:59 PM (gKWVE)
---
No. It was about a fallen world. Tolkien explicitly said he hated allegory and would not pollute his fantasy with modern political messages.
Posted by: gKWVE at January 27, 2026 08:59 PM (gKWVE)
---
No. It was about a fallen world. Tolkien explicitly said he hated allegory and would not pollute his fantasy with modern political messages.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at January 27, 2026 09:00 PM (ZOv7s)
200
The Numenoreans captured Sauron...
Operation Paperclip...
I'm sure it's nothing. Tolkien hated allegory...
Operation Paperclip...
I'm sure it's nothing. Tolkien hated allegory...
Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at January 27, 2026 09:00 PM (zZu0s)
201
I grew up in NE Ohio around all the steel mills. The first time I traveled down south I simply could not get over the fact that the cars didn't have rust all over them.
I was shocked.
Posted by: Tonypete
One thing I noticed down south - people are totally careless about dinging other people's cars when they park and swing open their doors dinging the car they are next to.
In the great salty white north chipping the edge of you door guarantees it will rust and nothing can fix it aside from getting a new door. The little ding because the other guy hit you with the edge of his door... Pfft. Easy to fix.
I was shocked.
Posted by: Tonypete
One thing I noticed down south - people are totally careless about dinging other people's cars when they park and swing open their doors dinging the car they are next to.
In the great salty white north chipping the edge of you door guarantees it will rust and nothing can fix it aside from getting a new door. The little ding because the other guy hit you with the edge of his door... Pfft. Easy to fix.
Posted by: Itinerant Alley Butcher at January 27, 2026 09:01 PM (/lPRQ)
202
>>>In the 70’s the commie protestors and Lefty domestic terrorists were far far worse than what we are seeing today. We can’t relax but I’m not scared of them.
Posted by: Opinion fact
>I miss the days when Mad Magazine Sergio Aragones, the master cartoonist, would draw hippies getting the hickory shampoo from squads of cops. Good stuff.
Posted by: Opinion fact
>I miss the days when Mad Magazine Sergio Aragones, the master cartoonist, would draw hippies getting the hickory shampoo from squads of cops. Good stuff.
Posted by: Rev. Wishbone at January 27, 2026 09:01 PM (oT7pT)
203
The Numenoreans captured Sauron...
Operation Paperclip...
I'm sure it's nothing. Tolkien hated allegory...
Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at January 27, 2026 09:00 PM (zZu0s)
---
Written before WW II.
Operation Paperclip...
I'm sure it's nothing. Tolkien hated allegory...
Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at January 27, 2026 09:00 PM (zZu0s)
---
Written before WW II.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at January 27, 2026 09:02 PM (ZOv7s)
204
Always fascinating to see how ewetubs algorithm goes. I pulled up that Dave Chappelle clip and now have a 'Nerdrotic is racist!' Thumbnail and 'Asmongold shows his true colors!!!'
That is interesting.
That is interesting.
Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at January 27, 2026 09:04 PM (zZu0s)
205
Written before WW II.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at January 27, 2026 09:02 PM (ZOv7s)
History does not repeat, but it often rhymes.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at January 27, 2026 09:02 PM (ZOv7s)
History does not repeat, but it often rhymes.
Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at January 27, 2026 09:04 PM (zZu0s)
206
England had 2 big waves of destruction, which is why there’s so many beautiful ruins. 1st wave, Dissolution of the Monasteries by Henry VIII tool out a lot of great religious estates.
2nd wave was under Cromwell during the Civil Wars. After he had to take a couple of castles twice, he vowed to never leave one he’d had to capture in serviceable condition, and he knocked down curtain walls, etc whenever he took one.
The two best preserved castles in England are Windsor and the Tower of London. Both were untouched because Cromwell liked them so much that he took them for his personal use, and wouldn’t allow anyone to harm them.
2nd wave was under Cromwell during the Civil Wars. After he had to take a couple of castles twice, he vowed to never leave one he’d had to capture in serviceable condition, and he knocked down curtain walls, etc whenever he took one.
The two best preserved castles in England are Windsor and the Tower of London. Both were untouched because Cromwell liked them so much that he took them for his personal use, and wouldn’t allow anyone to harm them.
Posted by: Tom Servo at January 27, 2026 09:05 PM (Sxl5b)
207
The funny bit is the Japanese use a derivative character set, and that means there can be dozens of ways to pronounce each character depending on how it is used, which depends of when and from where it got imported into Japan.
When I was teaching physics at the university a Chinese colleague related how easy it was for him to do research in Japan because he could read all the signs and newspapers.
Posted by: NemoMeImpuneLacessit
Without the alphabet/syllabary/phonetic-characters that Japanese added, the Chinese just use common character "words" that are pronounced the correct way to transliterate foreign words.
Thus the apocryphal story of Coca-Cola being written as "bite the wax tadpole" or "female horse attached with wax" in Chinese.
Coke currently has an "official" transliteration for Ko Ka Ko La: 可口可乐. Allow-mouth-allow-happiness. "Something palatable that brings joy."
When I was teaching physics at the university a Chinese colleague related how easy it was for him to do research in Japan because he could read all the signs and newspapers.
Posted by: NemoMeImpuneLacessit
Without the alphabet/syllabary/phonetic-characters that Japanese added, the Chinese just use common character "words" that are pronounced the correct way to transliterate foreign words.
Thus the apocryphal story of Coca-Cola being written as "bite the wax tadpole" or "female horse attached with wax" in Chinese.
Coke currently has an "official" transliteration for Ko Ka Ko La: 可口可乐. Allow-mouth-allow-happiness. "Something palatable that brings joy."
Posted by: mikeski at January 27, 2026 09:05 PM (VHUov)
208
Numenor was Tolkien's version of Atlantis.
Posted by: davidt at January 27, 2026 09:06 PM (Q+gd/)
Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at January 27, 2026 09:06 PM (JkO4W)
210
Hey guys. Anybody want to play a little two-hand touch the fanny? It’s kinda like the football game, but you play it naked. The first one to land two-hands right on the other man’s keester, gets a free entree at a Somali restaurant of your choice.
Posted by: Tim Walz at January 27, 2026 09:06 PM (aZ9eR)
211
>I miss the days when Mad Magazine Sergio Aragones, the master cartoonist, would draw hippies getting the hickory shampoo from squads of cops. Good stuff.
Posted by: Rev. Wishbone at January 27, 2026 09:01 PM (oT7pT)
FRAY!!!
Posted by: Rev. Wishbone at January 27, 2026 09:01 PM (oT7pT)
FRAY!!!
Posted by: Groo the Wanderer at January 27, 2026 09:07 PM (7ujVx)
212
Just remember Fen's Law: "the Left doesn't really believe in the things they lecture the rest of us about"
ie. don't waste time energy and resources shelling a hill the enemy never occupied. For example, you can destroy their position on the minimum wage and it won't make a whiff of difference - because they don't really care about the minimum wage, its a stepstool to something else.
Or... something I've been hearing lately that I think better describes them:
“The issue is never the issue. The issue is always the revolution."
It's always about power over others. These people are not the flip side of our coin, they are not your fellow countrymen. They are control freaks who will never leave us alone, any more than an abusive man would let his wife divorce him.
ie. don't waste time energy and resources shelling a hill the enemy never occupied. For example, you can destroy their position on the minimum wage and it won't make a whiff of difference - because they don't really care about the minimum wage, its a stepstool to something else.
Or... something I've been hearing lately that I think better describes them:
“The issue is never the issue. The issue is always the revolution."
It's always about power over others. These people are not the flip side of our coin, they are not your fellow countrymen. They are control freaks who will never leave us alone, any more than an abusive man would let his wife divorce him.
Posted by: Fen at January 27, 2026 09:07 PM (ciYHQ)
213
History does not repeat, but it often rhymes.
Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at January 27, 2026 09:04 PM (zZu0s)
---
The Downfall of Numenor is about sin, how the faithful became corrupted. That's it. That's the story. Men accept the Land of the Star gratefully, but then become greedy, and resent death, and turn on the elves but are still their ancient allies, and fight Sauron because he is their ancient enemy, but the idea of bringing him back as a trophy appeals to their pride and vanity, and he corrupts them even more.
Old Testament stuff.
Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at January 27, 2026 09:04 PM (zZu0s)
---
The Downfall of Numenor is about sin, how the faithful became corrupted. That's it. That's the story. Men accept the Land of the Star gratefully, but then become greedy, and resent death, and turn on the elves but are still their ancient allies, and fight Sauron because he is their ancient enemy, but the idea of bringing him back as a trophy appeals to their pride and vanity, and he corrupts them even more.
Old Testament stuff.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at January 27, 2026 09:07 PM (ZOv7s)
214
210 Hey guys. Anybody want to play a little two-hand touch the fanny? It’s kinda like the football game, but you play it naked. The first one to land two-hands right on the other man’s keester, gets a free entree at a Somali restaurant of your choice.
Posted by: Tim Walz at January 27, 2026 09:06 PM (aZ9eR)
---------
Pick Six, man. PICK SIX!!!
Posted by: Tim Walz at January 27, 2026 09:06 PM (aZ9eR)
---------
Pick Six, man. PICK SIX!!!
Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at January 27, 2026 09:08 PM (JkO4W)
215
CNN has just found out that Gov Walz has decided to resign to spend more time with his family.
He also stated he will be also starting a new career doing Car Shield Commercials with Ice-T.
He also stated he will be also starting a new career doing Car Shield Commercials with Ice-T.
Posted by: CNN Breaking News at January 27, 2026 09:08 PM (X7dyz)
216
Written before WW II.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at January 27, 2026 09:02 PM (ZOv7s)
Tolkien knew that human nature stays constant.
I’ve heard a preacher say that the devil doesn’t really have any new tricks. He doesn’t need any, because the old tricks keep working so well.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at January 27, 2026 09:02 PM (ZOv7s)
Tolkien knew that human nature stays constant.
I’ve heard a preacher say that the devil doesn’t really have any new tricks. He doesn’t need any, because the old tricks keep working so well.
Posted by: Tom Servo at January 27, 2026 09:08 PM (Sxl5b)
217
>> State law requires me to inform you I have moved into your neighborhood
I laughed so hard at this, I queefed.
Does that make me a bad person?
I laughed so hard at this, I queefed.
Does that make me a bad person?
Posted by: Tim Walz at January 27, 2026 09:08 PM (aZ9eR)
Posted by: Fen at January 27, 2026 09:09 PM (ciYHQ)
219
When I studied Mandarin, I hated those effing characters. Yeah, let’s make an effing art project just to write “Where is the bathroom?” What a dumb system.
Posted by: Bulg at January 27, 2026 09:09 PM (77rzZ)
220
I resigned to spend less time with my wife, Gwen and more time with Abdi, my manservant.
Posted by: Tim Walz at January 27, 2026 09:10 PM (aZ9eR)
221
CNN has learned that VP Kami Harris will be starting her new career with Jacuzzi Bath remolding.
She stated if that Skinny Blond can do it so can I.
She stated if that Skinny Blond can do it so can I.
Posted by: CNN Breaking News at January 27, 2026 09:10 PM (X7dyz)
222
>>> 166 Ok. In good faith, I have a question
What can we the people do about this? Do about any of this? I’m not going to go into a Seattle ICE Protest and start confronting people. I’m not going to yell at people wearing stupid buttons on their shirts. I’m not going to confront patients when they say stupid shit. Honestly, how can I be of any help?
I will not be bullied if directly confronted. But I won’t be stupid and get the shit beat out of me to be pure.
How can I help?
Posted by: nurse ratched at January 27, 2026 08:44 PM (IhIKR)
For starters, continue doing what you've already been doing, which is treating your patients as well as you can (as opposed to some of the commie scum).
If we need you to lase some targets in the future I'm sure some other Morons can provide helpful advice.
What can we the people do about this? Do about any of this? I’m not going to go into a Seattle ICE Protest and start confronting people. I’m not going to yell at people wearing stupid buttons on their shirts. I’m not going to confront patients when they say stupid shit. Honestly, how can I be of any help?
I will not be bullied if directly confronted. But I won’t be stupid and get the shit beat out of me to be pure.
How can I help?
Posted by: nurse ratched at January 27, 2026 08:44 PM (IhIKR)
For starters, continue doing what you've already been doing, which is treating your patients as well as you can (as opposed to some of the commie scum).
If we need you to lase some targets in the future I'm sure some other Morons can provide helpful advice.
Posted by: Helena Handbasket at January 27, 2026 09:10 PM (ULPxl)
223
Oh, and eff Tolkien and all fantasy literature. What a freaking waste of time.
Posted by: Bulg at January 27, 2026 09:12 PM (77rzZ)
224
Wow. Murkowski and Tillis both called for Noem to resign.
This is my shocked face. Well it’s my everyday face including when someone massages my fanny.
This is my shocked face. Well it’s my everyday face including when someone massages my fanny.
Posted by: Tim Walz at January 27, 2026 09:12 PM (aZ9eR)
225
Did he explain why?
Posted by: Fen at January 27, 2026 09:09 PM (ciYHQ)
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It's in the forward to the revised edition of LotR. He just says he's always despised it since he became old enough to recognize it.
A point of tension between him and C.S. Lewis.
Posted by: Fen at January 27, 2026 09:09 PM (ciYHQ)
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It's in the forward to the revised edition of LotR. He just says he's always despised it since he became old enough to recognize it.
A point of tension between him and C.S. Lewis.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at January 27, 2026 09:12 PM (ZOv7s)
226
iirc, The Fall of Numenor was the first story Tolkien wrote, while in the trenches during WWI.
Posted by: davidt at January 27, 2026 09:13 PM (Q+gd/)
227
Hey Piper! You might appreciate this (AI but so what) picture of Donny Two Scoops and Melania:
https://shorturl.at/daIgk
https://shorturl.at/daIgk
Posted by: Helena Handbasket at January 27, 2026 09:13 PM (ULPxl)
228
>> How can I help?
Posted by: nurse ratched at January 27, 2026 08:44 PM (IhIKR)
Have a scotch and watch the losers kill eachother.
Burp.
Posted by: nurse ratched at January 27, 2026 08:44 PM (IhIKR)
Have a scotch and watch the losers kill eachother.
Burp.
Posted by: Tim Walz at January 27, 2026 09:13 PM (aZ9eR)
229
How can I help?
Posted by: nurse ratched
For starters, continue doing what you've already been doing, which is treating your patients as well as you can (as opposed to some of the commie scum).
Posted by: Helena Handbasket
That is good advice. Live a good life and be a good example.
You won't reach the Good Drivers and Pretti Hate Machines of the world, but you'll let the persuadable know the Right aren't what the media make us out to be.
Posted by: nurse ratched
For starters, continue doing what you've already been doing, which is treating your patients as well as you can (as opposed to some of the commie scum).
Posted by: Helena Handbasket
That is good advice. Live a good life and be a good example.
You won't reach the Good Drivers and Pretti Hate Machines of the world, but you'll let the persuadable know the Right aren't what the media make us out to be.
Posted by: mikeski at January 27, 2026 09:13 PM (VHUov)
230
Tolkien knew that human nature stays constant.
I’ve heard a preacher say that the devil doesn’t really have any new tricks. He doesn’t need any, because the old tricks keep working so well.
Posted by: Tom Servo at January 27, 2026 09:08 PM (Sxl5b)
---
The same heresies just keep coming back under new names. Once you see it, you can't unsee it.
I’ve heard a preacher say that the devil doesn’t really have any new tricks. He doesn’t need any, because the old tricks keep working so well.
Posted by: Tom Servo at January 27, 2026 09:08 PM (Sxl5b)
---
The same heresies just keep coming back under new names. Once you see it, you can't unsee it.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at January 27, 2026 09:14 PM (ZOv7s)
231
Allegory: a literary or artistic technique where characters, settings, and events in a story represent broader, hidden meanings, often moral, political, or philosophical, rather than just their literal surface narrative. Originating from the Greek allegoria ("speaking otherwise"), it conveys abstract truths through...
I don't see how he could say that. What's the Hollywood Writer's lament about there really only being six stories or something?
The ring's corruptive effect had no deeper meaning?
The flight of the elves?
Then lost King returning to his people to usher in a golden age? I've heard that one slot.
I don't see how he could say that. What's the Hollywood Writer's lament about there really only being six stories or something?
The ring's corruptive effect had no deeper meaning?
The flight of the elves?
Then lost King returning to his people to usher in a golden age? I've heard that one slot.
Posted by: Fen at January 27, 2026 09:15 PM (ciYHQ)
232
224 Wow. Murkowski and Tillis both called for Noem to resign.
And does anyone really care about these two clowns ???
And does anyone really care about these two clowns ???
Posted by: Jackson at January 27, 2026 09:15 PM (X7dyz)
233
Been here nearly two hours and not a single cuttle. Cuttles Cafe my ass!
Posted by: DJ Jazzy Mel at January 27, 2026 09:15 PM (ZTJjv)
234
iirc, The Fall of Numenor was the first story Tolkien wrote, while in the trenches during WWI.
Posted by: davidt at January 27, 2026 09:13 PM (Q+gd/)
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The Fall of Gondolin, finally published as its own book. Highly recommend. It's seriously metal, more metal than anything he wrote afterwards.
Armored assault dragons filled with orcs. With flamethrowers. Yeah, he was in the shit.
Posted by: davidt at January 27, 2026 09:13 PM (Q+gd/)
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The Fall of Gondolin, finally published as its own book. Highly recommend. It's seriously metal, more metal than anything he wrote afterwards.
Armored assault dragons filled with orcs. With flamethrowers. Yeah, he was in the shit.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at January 27, 2026 09:16 PM (ZOv7s)
235
229 Good Drivers. Heh.
Posted by: Bulg at January 27, 2026 09:16 PM (77rzZ)
236
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at January 27, 2026 09:16 PM (ZOv7s)
Ah, yes, you are correct.
Ah, yes, you are correct.
Posted by: davidt at January 27, 2026 09:17 PM (Q+gd/)
237
I don't see how he could say that.
Posted by: Fen at January 27, 2026 09:15 PM (ciYHQ)
---
He noted that there is a difference between allegory and applicability. The themes of Lord of the Rings are applicable to other things, but it is not a this=that code.
Animal Farm is allegory. You can't really take it seriously any other way. Tolkien hated that kind of thing where the story was just a mask for the real story. Just tell the real story, and if it resonates, it is because it applies to other things.
Posted by: Fen at January 27, 2026 09:15 PM (ciYHQ)
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He noted that there is a difference between allegory and applicability. The themes of Lord of the Rings are applicable to other things, but it is not a this=that code.
Animal Farm is allegory. You can't really take it seriously any other way. Tolkien hated that kind of thing where the story was just a mask for the real story. Just tell the real story, and if it resonates, it is because it applies to other things.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at January 27, 2026 09:18 PM (ZOv7s)
238
“ I saw the Lord always before me.
Because he is at my right hand,
I will not be shaken.
Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices;
my body also will rest in hope,
because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead, you will not let your holy one see decay.
You have made known to me the paths of life;
you will fill me with joy in your presence.’
Acts 2:25-28
Because he is at my right hand,
I will not be shaken.
Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices;
my body also will rest in hope,
because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead, you will not let your holy one see decay.
You have made known to me the paths of life;
you will fill me with joy in your presence.’
Acts 2:25-28
Posted by: Marcus T at January 27, 2026 09:20 PM (Uh88k)
239
Tolkien didn’t tell real stories, just that fantasy junk.
Posted by: Bulg at January 27, 2026 09:20 PM (77rzZ)
240
Oh, and eff Tolkien and all fantasy literature. What a freaking waste of time.
Posted by: Bulg at January 27, 2026 09:12 PM (77rzZ)
You discount one of the primary drivers of young boys to good. Aside from upbringing. Fighting against evil. For love. Friendship. Duty. Honor. In context.
It is foolish to hand wave it away, man. Just like comic books.
Posted by: Bulg at January 27, 2026 09:12 PM (77rzZ)
You discount one of the primary drivers of young boys to good. Aside from upbringing. Fighting against evil. For love. Friendship. Duty. Honor. In context.
It is foolish to hand wave it away, man. Just like comic books.
Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at January 27, 2026 09:20 PM (zZu0s)
241
Ah, yes, you are correct.
Posted by: davidt at January 27, 2026 09:17 PM (Q+gd/)
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You are right that a lot of his writings are of that era. Anyone trying to argue that he was using post-war Europe as his template is disastrously wrong, and he even explained (in detail!) that if he was writing allegory, the Ring would not have been destroyed but used to overthrow Sauron, and then the West would fight amongst itself while Saruman discovered the secret of making his own One Ring and the two sides would square off in the Cold War.
Posted by: davidt at January 27, 2026 09:17 PM (Q+gd/)
---
You are right that a lot of his writings are of that era. Anyone trying to argue that he was using post-war Europe as his template is disastrously wrong, and he even explained (in detail!) that if he was writing allegory, the Ring would not have been destroyed but used to overthrow Sauron, and then the West would fight amongst itself while Saruman discovered the secret of making his own One Ring and the two sides would square off in the Cold War.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at January 27, 2026 09:21 PM (ZOv7s)
242
232 224 Wow. Murkowski and Tillis both called for Noem to resign.
And does anyone really care about these two clowns ???
Posted by: Jackson at January 27, 2026 09:15 PM (X7dyz)
_________________________
Murkowski is a little miffed that she's about to lose her #1 position for federal disbursements per capita. Alaska receives the highest amount of federal funding per capita ($24,796 per resident in FY 2024). It's her campaign selling point. I get you the cash, you need to send me back so I can continue the gravy train to Alaska.
That's going to be dwarfed by Greenland.
And does anyone really care about these two clowns ???
Posted by: Jackson at January 27, 2026 09:15 PM (X7dyz)
_________________________
Murkowski is a little miffed that she's about to lose her #1 position for federal disbursements per capita. Alaska receives the highest amount of federal funding per capita ($24,796 per resident in FY 2024). It's her campaign selling point. I get you the cash, you need to send me back so I can continue the gravy train to Alaska.
That's going to be dwarfed by Greenland.
Posted by: Orson at January 27, 2026 09:21 PM (dIske)
243
Tolkien didn’t tell real stories, just that fantasy junk.
Posted by: Bulg at January 27, 2026 09:20 PM (77rzZ)
Tolkien was a veteran of the Battle of the Somme. He watched all his friends from school die around him.
Show some respect.
Posted by: Bulg at January 27, 2026 09:20 PM (77rzZ)
Tolkien was a veteran of the Battle of the Somme. He watched all his friends from school die around him.
Show some respect.
Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at January 27, 2026 09:21 PM (zZu0s)
244
Tolkien didn’t tell real stories, just that fantasy junk.
Posted by: Bulg at January 27, 2026 09:20 PM (77rzZ)
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LOL, he's now under consideration for sainthood because his work has led so many people to God. That fantasy junk is now cited by seminarians as leading them to the priesthood.
Some junk.
Posted by: Bulg at January 27, 2026 09:20 PM (77rzZ)
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LOL, he's now under consideration for sainthood because his work has led so many people to God. That fantasy junk is now cited by seminarians as leading them to the priesthood.
Some junk.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at January 27, 2026 09:22 PM (ZOv7s)
245
"I’m not going to go into a Seattle ICE Protest and start confronting people."
That's smart. Street Protest is the weakest form of political power, so why compete for a descent to the bottom?
"How can I help?"
Posted by: nurse ratched
Hehe. You're going to smack me for saying this but..
run for office.
Seriously, when I was in DC one of our biggest headaches was getting qualified people to run for election. Too many wanted to focus on career and family instead, or had an embarrassing secret they were afraid would be publicly expksed
That's smart. Street Protest is the weakest form of political power, so why compete for a descent to the bottom?
"How can I help?"
Posted by: nurse ratched
Hehe. You're going to smack me for saying this but..
run for office.
Seriously, when I was in DC one of our biggest headaches was getting qualified people to run for election. Too many wanted to focus on career and family instead, or had an embarrassing secret they were afraid would be publicly expksed
Posted by: Fen at January 27, 2026 09:22 PM (ciYHQ)
246
Posted by: Bulg at January 27, 2026 09:12 PM (77rzZ)
It's like in the great stories, Master Bulg, the ones that really mattered . . .
It's like in the great stories, Master Bulg, the ones that really mattered . . .
Posted by: gKWVE at January 27, 2026 09:23 PM (gKWVE)
247
240 There are plenty of historical examples of good, without Tolkien’s elves.
Posted by: Bulg at January 27, 2026 09:23 PM (77rzZ)
248
>>How can I help?
Insurgencies by definition are a small group of people that use asymmetric techniques to demoralize and ultimately defeat a much larger and better equipped ruling population. In this case the insurgents are funded by billionaires including Neville Singham and the usual cast of characters. They also own what's left of the media and that's not nothing because this is an information and influence campaign more than anything.
Best thing we can do is stay resolved and not splinter. Not even when we think one who is fighting for us isn't doing everything we think is going fast or extreme enough. Their mission is to divide us, it's literally the only way they can win.
Everyone who is against them is on my side even if they aren't perfect. We settle personal scores later. We earned a reprieve with Trump but he's not going to be around forever and all we did was stop them. Now we have to go crush them.
I'm sick of hearing how scary they are. They need to start being afraid of us. Go ICE! Deport all of them.
Insurgencies by definition are a small group of people that use asymmetric techniques to demoralize and ultimately defeat a much larger and better equipped ruling population. In this case the insurgents are funded by billionaires including Neville Singham and the usual cast of characters. They also own what's left of the media and that's not nothing because this is an information and influence campaign more than anything.
Best thing we can do is stay resolved and not splinter. Not even when we think one who is fighting for us isn't doing everything we think is going fast or extreme enough. Their mission is to divide us, it's literally the only way they can win.
Everyone who is against them is on my side even if they aren't perfect. We settle personal scores later. We earned a reprieve with Trump but he's not going to be around forever and all we did was stop them. Now we have to go crush them.
I'm sick of hearing how scary they are. They need to start being afraid of us. Go ICE! Deport all of them.
Posted by: JackStraw at January 27, 2026 09:24 PM (viF8m)
249
There are plenty of historical examples of good, without Tolkien’s elves.
Posted by: Bulg at January 27, 2026 09:23 PM (77rzZ)
History, often in text form can be dry. It is just written that way. Stories that make it personal, that spark romance (romance meaning adventure) are powerful.
Posted by: Bulg at January 27, 2026 09:23 PM (77rzZ)
History, often in text form can be dry. It is just written that way. Stories that make it personal, that spark romance (romance meaning adventure) are powerful.
Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at January 27, 2026 09:25 PM (zZu0s)
250
>> "How can I help?"
Posted by: nurse ratched
Can you run an M240L? Just askin.
You’re a good person. Follow your instincts.
Posted by: nurse ratched
Can you run an M240L? Just askin.
You’re a good person. Follow your instincts.
Posted by: Marcus T at January 27, 2026 09:25 PM (Uh88k)
251
244 Well, sainthood is a BS concept once you get beyond the Apostolic Era.
So Tolkien’s fiction is up there with Scripture now?
So Tolkien’s fiction is up there with Scripture now?
Posted by: Bulg at January 27, 2026 09:26 PM (77rzZ)
252
History isn’t dry if done properly.
Posted by: Bulg at January 27, 2026 09:27 PM (77rzZ)
253
"Tolkien didn’t tell real stories, just that fantasy junk."
Hardly. He weaved European legend into a mythology to inspire Western Civilization.
---
We see the light of those who find
A world has passed them by
To late to save a dream that's growing cold
We realize that fate must hide its face
From those who try
To see the distant signs of unforetold
Oh oh, take hold
From a haze came a rage of thunder
Distant signs of darkness on the way
Fading cries scream of pain and hunger
But in the night the light will guide your way
So take hold of the flame
Don't you see life's a game
So take hold of the flame
You've got nothing to lose, but everything to gain
Hardly. He weaved European legend into a mythology to inspire Western Civilization.
---
We see the light of those who find
A world has passed them by
To late to save a dream that's growing cold
We realize that fate must hide its face
From those who try
To see the distant signs of unforetold
Oh oh, take hold
From a haze came a rage of thunder
Distant signs of darkness on the way
Fading cries scream of pain and hunger
But in the night the light will guide your way
So take hold of the flame
Don't you see life's a game
So take hold of the flame
You've got nothing to lose, but everything to gain
Posted by: Fen at January 27, 2026 09:27 PM (ciYHQ)
254
Well, sainthood is a BS concept once you get beyond the Apostolic Era.
I tried to stop the practice of slavery. Well, me and sis Macrina. Where were the pagans?
I tried to stop the practice of slavery. Well, me and sis Macrina. Where were the pagans?
Posted by: Gregory of Nyssa at January 27, 2026 09:27 PM (gKWVE)
255
So Japanese has kanji (Chinese pictograms), plus hiragana and katakana (which cover the same sounds, sort of like cursive vs block printing). Hiragana is used for most "Japanese" words, and katakana for transliterated foreign words. Katakana is also used for uncommon animal names (nobody expects you to remember the kanji for "blue-footed booby") and for emphasis, like typing in ALL CAPS.
Posted by: mikeski at January 27, 2026 08:55 PM (VHUov)
Korean Hangul is the same sort of thing. Korea adopted Chinese characters, though it had had a sort of syllabary before that, due to the influence that Chinese and Confucianism had over the region. King Sejong developed Hangul to better record Korean, using Sanskrit as an inspiration, and developing the really mobile syllable blocks.
They still use Chinese characters, the older people still read them so they are found sprinkled in the papers and books .
Posted by: mikeski at January 27, 2026 08:55 PM (VHUov)
Korean Hangul is the same sort of thing. Korea adopted Chinese characters, though it had had a sort of syllabary before that, due to the influence that Chinese and Confucianism had over the region. King Sejong developed Hangul to better record Korean, using Sanskrit as an inspiration, and developing the really mobile syllable blocks.
They still use Chinese characters, the older people still read them so they are found sprinkled in the papers and books .
Posted by: Kindltot at January 27, 2026 09:28 PM (rbvCR)
256
There are plenty of historical examples of good, without Tolkien’s elves.
Posted by: Bulg at January 27, 2026 09:23 PM (77rzZ)
---
If you read the Siege of Gondor, you've also read the Siege of Vienna in 1683. How many young people are you going to convince to read about a battle in 1683?
The idea is to lead you to the deeper history, and he's done that. There are podcasts about the this, and even the Eastern Orthodox respect Tolkien's profound grasp of theology and the Council of God.
Posted by: Bulg at January 27, 2026 09:23 PM (77rzZ)
---
If you read the Siege of Gondor, you've also read the Siege of Vienna in 1683. How many young people are you going to convince to read about a battle in 1683?
The idea is to lead you to the deeper history, and he's done that. There are podcasts about the this, and even the Eastern Orthodox respect Tolkien's profound grasp of theology and the Council of God.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at January 27, 2026 09:28 PM (ZOv7s)
257
247 240 There are plenty of historical examples of good, without Tolkien’s elves.
Posted by: Bulg at January 27, 2026 09:23 PM (77rzZ)
Good lord Bulg, who broke your Lembas?
Posted by: Bulg at January 27, 2026 09:23 PM (77rzZ)
Good lord Bulg, who broke your Lembas?
Posted by: Frodo Baggins at January 27, 2026 09:28 PM (3sXRv)
258
Well, sainthood is a BS concept once you get beyond the Apostolic Era.
So Tolkien’s fiction is up there with Scripture now?
Posted by: Bulg at January 27, 2026 09:26 PM (77rzZ)
---
I get that you're angry about something, so I'm not going to argue with you.
So Tolkien’s fiction is up there with Scripture now?
Posted by: Bulg at January 27, 2026 09:26 PM (77rzZ)
---
I get that you're angry about something, so I'm not going to argue with you.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at January 27, 2026 09:29 PM (ZOv7s)
259
240 There are plenty of historical examples of good, without Tolkien’s elves.
Posted by: Bulg at January 27, 2026 09:23 PM (77rzZ)
----
I suppose you think we should get rid of all the fantastic events that happened in the Bible as well.
Posted by: Bulg at January 27, 2026 09:23 PM (77rzZ)
----
I suppose you think we should get rid of all the fantastic events that happened in the Bible as well.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at January 27, 2026 09:29 PM (ESVrU)
260
There are plenty of historical examples of good, without Tolkien’s elves.
Posted by: Bulg at January 27, 2026 09:23 PM (77rzZ)
Sure. But can you name three?
Posted by: Bulg at January 27, 2026 09:23 PM (77rzZ)
Sure. But can you name three?
Posted by: Fen at January 27, 2026 09:31 PM (ciYHQ)
261
I'm not one of the smart people. But but stirring up Protestant vs. Catholic on the blog is probably not going to help against the Islamofascist threat that threatens us all.
Posted by: BarelyScaryMary at January 27, 2026 09:31 PM (lpTXP)
262
I would rather read about a factual siege of 1683 than some fantasy shit. I’ve loved actual history since I was a kid. It has the added bonus of being real, and not some made up bullshit involving wizards and elves and other shit.
Posted by: Bulg at January 27, 2026 09:32 PM (77rzZ)
263
I suppose you think we should get rid of all the fantastic events that happened in the Bible as well.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at January 27, 2026 09:29 PM (ESVrU)
---
It's kind of a weird take to say that fiction shouldn't reflect Christian virtues.
I guess Graham Greene and Evelyn Waugh and G.K. Chesterton were all just wasting their time.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at January 27, 2026 09:29 PM (ESVrU)
---
It's kind of a weird take to say that fiction shouldn't reflect Christian virtues.
I guess Graham Greene and Evelyn Waugh and G.K. Chesterton were all just wasting their time.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at January 27, 2026 09:32 PM (ZOv7s)
264
I would rather read about a factual siege of 1683 than some fantasy shit. I’ve loved actual history since I was a kid. It has the added bonus of being real, and not some made up bullshit involving wizards and elves and other shit.
Posted by: Bulg at January 27, 2026 09:32 PM (77rzZ)
---
"I don't like fantasy fiction so I must crap on people who do" is a heck of a take.
Posted by: Bulg at January 27, 2026 09:32 PM (77rzZ)
---
"I don't like fantasy fiction so I must crap on people who do" is a heck of a take.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at January 27, 2026 09:33 PM (ZOv7s)
265
The fantasy aspect of Tolkien's stories is just the setting.
Posted by: davidt at January 27, 2026 09:34 PM (Q+gd/)
Posted by: Bulg at January 27, 2026 09:34 PM (77rzZ)
267
“ The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.”
Galatians 5:19-21
Galatians 5:19-21
Posted by: Marcus T at January 27, 2026 09:34 PM (Uh88k)
268
Oh, and eff Tolkien and all fantasy literature. What a freaking waste of time.
Posted by: Bulg at January 27, 2026 09:12 PM (77rzZ)
You discount one of the primary drivers of young boys to good. Aside from upbringing. Fighting against evil. For love. Friendship. Duty. Honor. In context.
It is foolish to hand wave it away, man. Just like comic books.
Posted by: Aetius451AD
There is always Lovecraft.
For certain interpretations of good.
Posted by: Bulg at January 27, 2026 09:12 PM (77rzZ)
You discount one of the primary drivers of young boys to good. Aside from upbringing. Fighting against evil. For love. Friendship. Duty. Honor. In context.
It is foolish to hand wave it away, man. Just like comic books.
Posted by: Aetius451AD
There is always Lovecraft.
For certain interpretations of good.
Posted by: Itinerant Alley Butcher at January 27, 2026 09:34 PM (/lPRQ)
269
I would rather read about a factual siege of 1683 than some fantasy shit. I’ve loved actual history since I was a kid. It has the added bonus of being real, and not some made up bullshit involving wizards and elves and other shit.
Posted by: Bulg
---------
That's ok. You do you. Let others read fiction if they like.
Posted by: Bulg
---------
That's ok. You do you. Let others read fiction if they like.
Posted by: JQ at January 27, 2026 09:35 PM (rdVOm)
270
I would rather read about a factual siege of 1683 than some fantasy shit. I’ve loved actual history since I was a kid. It has the added bonus of being real, and not some made up bullshit involving wizards and elves and other shit.
Posted by: Bulg at January 27, 2026 09:32 PM (77rzZ)
---
"I don't like fantasy fiction so I must crap on people who do" is a heck of a take.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at January 27, 2026 09:33 PM (ZOv7s)
---
Yeah, I don't get it either. The sheer *anger* in the statement speaks volumes about something deeper going on. Myths and legends have been with humanity as long as we've tried to explain the natural world, including real-world historical events.
Posted by: Bulg at January 27, 2026 09:32 PM (77rzZ)
---
"I don't like fantasy fiction so I must crap on people who do" is a heck of a take.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at January 27, 2026 09:33 PM (ZOv7s)
---
Yeah, I don't get it either. The sheer *anger* in the statement speaks volumes about something deeper going on. Myths and legends have been with humanity as long as we've tried to explain the natural world, including real-world historical events.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at January 27, 2026 09:35 PM (ESVrU)
271
Tolkien didn’t tell real stories, just that fantasy junk.
Posted by: Bulg at January 27, 2026 09:20 PM (77rzZ)
You do seem to have a hostility towards Tolkien. But that's cool, let it all out. I'm curious and I promise I won't judge or start an argument over it.
Posted by: Bulg at January 27, 2026 09:20 PM (77rzZ)
You do seem to have a hostility towards Tolkien. But that's cool, let it all out. I'm curious and I promise I won't judge or start an argument over it.
Posted by: Fen at January 27, 2026 09:35 PM (ciYHQ)
272
Posted by: Bulg at January 27, 2026 09:32 PM (77rzZ)
Bulgar, you seem intent on picking a fight on this one. I figure I have an idea on the sand in your vagina, so I'll leave you the fuck alone.
Bulgar, you seem intent on picking a fight on this one. I figure I have an idea on the sand in your vagina, so I'll leave you the fuck alone.
Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at January 27, 2026 09:36 PM (zZu0s)
273
"I don't like fantasy fiction so I must crap on people who do" is a heck of a take.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at January 27, 2026 09:33
AOS is plentiful in gored oxen.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at January 27, 2026 09:33
AOS is plentiful in gored oxen.
Posted by: old chick at January 27, 2026 09:36 PM (F3Dlr)
274
The fantasy aspect of Tolkien's stories is just the setting.
Posted by: davidt at January 27, 2026 09:34 PM (Q+gd/)
---
Tolkien had so much depth that it is frankly humbling. The guy was a historian, linguistic genius, even did Bible translations. His discussions of the Valar are directly linked to the Council of God and the orders of angels.
It's all happy fun with dragons, but if you dig deeper, it's crazy how much he wove into it. He is a great teaching tool, a pathway to the world of the Unseen, the spirit realm.
Posted by: davidt at January 27, 2026 09:34 PM (Q+gd/)
---
Tolkien had so much depth that it is frankly humbling. The guy was a historian, linguistic genius, even did Bible translations. His discussions of the Valar are directly linked to the Council of God and the orders of angels.
It's all happy fun with dragons, but if you dig deeper, it's crazy how much he wove into it. He is a great teaching tool, a pathway to the world of the Unseen, the spirit realm.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at January 27, 2026 09:36 PM (ZOv7s)
275
Bulg, is there someone you can call?
Posted by: Helena Handbasket at January 27, 2026 09:37 PM (ULPxl)
Posted by: Bulg at January 27, 2026 09:39 PM (77rzZ)
277
You haven’t figured out Bulg’s MO yet? You can get him off the Catholic subject by bringing up the music you like.
Posted by: Opinion fact at January 27, 2026 09:40 PM (KDPiq)
278
Tolkien is not “myths and legends,” just one author’s imagination.
Posted by: Bulg at January 27, 2026 09:39 PM (77rzZ)
---
Stop it, dude. You're embarrassing yourself.
Posted by: Bulg at January 27, 2026 09:39 PM (77rzZ)
---
Stop it, dude. You're embarrassing yourself.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at January 27, 2026 09:41 PM (ZOv7s)
279
Bulg. Quick. Favorite Slipknot song.
Posted by: Marcus T at January 27, 2026 09:41 PM (Uh88k)
280
You haven’t figured out Bulg’s MO yet? You can get him off the Catholic subject by bringing up the music you like.
Posted by: Opinion fact at January 27, 2026 09:40 PM (KDPiq)
---
How about Mozart?
Posted by: Opinion fact at January 27, 2026 09:40 PM (KDPiq)
---
How about Mozart?
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at January 27, 2026 09:42 PM (ZOv7s)
281
Blind Faith's album was perfect.
Posted by: BarelyScaryMary at January 27, 2026 09:42 PM (lpTXP)
282
Yeah, but I can see how someone could be all "aw hell, him again? Yes he was good but can we talk about anyone else". I got SO tired of seeing a dark elf with a large feline that I wanted to gouge my eyes out.
Imagine 3 Dritz's in one party each trying to out-mysterious each other. You find yourself double checking the volume of 20ft radius Fireball cast underground.
Imagine 3 Dritz's in one party each trying to out-mysterious each other. You find yourself double checking the volume of 20ft radius Fireball cast underground.
Posted by: Fen at January 27, 2026 09:43 PM (ciYHQ)
283
I also thought Mad Magazine's Don Martin was a master cartoonist and humorist. We'll never see anyone again like these guys with their wit and talent.
Posted by: Rev. Wishbone at January 27, 2026 09:43 PM (oT7pT)
284
Oh c’mon. Ok let’s go with Linkin Park.
Posted by: Marcus T at January 27, 2026 09:43 PM (Uh88k)
285
I'm not one of the smart people. But but stirring up Protestant vs. Catholic on the blog is probably not going to help against the Islamofascist threat that threatens us all.
Posted by: BarelyScaryMary at January 27, 2026 09:31 PM (lpTXP)
It is the purity test thing. We start chewing on each others' guts and forget who we are supposed to fight.
It is like an Italian family argument where the majority takes time out to fight over why the others are supporting the majority position for the wrong reasons.
Posted by: BarelyScaryMary at January 27, 2026 09:31 PM (lpTXP)
It is the purity test thing. We start chewing on each others' guts and forget who we are supposed to fight.
It is like an Italian family argument where the majority takes time out to fight over why the others are supporting the majority position for the wrong reasons.
Posted by: Kindltot at January 27, 2026 09:44 PM (rbvCR)
286
BTW, it’s not just Tolkien I dislike, but fantasy in general. I’d probably hate The Wizard of Oz, too, if I hadn’t been raised on it.
Posted by: Bulg at January 27, 2026 09:44 PM (77rzZ)
287
Nickelback. Discuss.
Posted by: BarelyScaryMary at January 27, 2026 09:44 PM (lpTXP)
288
Yeah, but I can see how someone could be all "aw hell, him again? Yes he was good but can we talk about anyone else". I got SO tired of seeing a dark elf with a large feline that I wanted to gouge my eyes out.
Imagine 3 Dritz's in one party each trying to out-mysterious each other. You find yourself double checking the volume of 20ft radius Fireball cast underground.
Posted by: Fen at January 27, 2026 09:43 PM (ciYHQ)
---
The way you do that is you talk about something else. I was really geeked about China, so I talked about China. I didn't take a dump on everyone commenting on cute stuff.
I shall bring this before the membership committee! I promise you, I shall!
Imagine 3 Dritz's in one party each trying to out-mysterious each other. You find yourself double checking the volume of 20ft radius Fireball cast underground.
Posted by: Fen at January 27, 2026 09:43 PM (ciYHQ)
---
The way you do that is you talk about something else. I was really geeked about China, so I talked about China. I didn't take a dump on everyone commenting on cute stuff.
I shall bring this before the membership committee! I promise you, I shall!
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at January 27, 2026 09:44 PM (ZOv7s)
289
We're still Bat and Sea Stack free this year, so we are most pleased.
Posted by: Penguin Defense League, Enforcement Division at January 27, 2026 09:45 PM (oftw2)
290
Led Zeppelin had a lot of LoTR references.
Posted by: davidt at January 27, 2026 09:45 PM (Q+gd/)
Posted by: fourseasons at January 27, 2026 09:45 PM (3ek7K)
292
>> It is like an Italian family argument where the majority takes time out to fight over gravy and sauce.
FIFY
And it’s macaroni, not pasta.
FIFY
And it’s macaroni, not pasta.
Posted by: Marcus T at January 27, 2026 09:45 PM (Uh88k)
293
Nickelback. Discuss.
Posted by: BarelyScaryMary at January 27, 2026 09:44 PM (lpTXP)
I don't give a fuck, Rockstar is a fun song.
Posted by: BarelyScaryMary at January 27, 2026 09:44 PM (lpTXP)
I don't give a fuck, Rockstar is a fun song.
Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at January 27, 2026 09:46 PM (zZu0s)
294
It’s Tummy Rub Tuesday!
Rub rub rub those fuzzy furry bellies!
Posted by: nurse ratched at January 27, 2026 07:50 PM (k0MVD)
***
It was also Geezer Golf Tuesday, but all the Geezers are still snow birding in warmer climes. (Wimps) But a few still showed up. I was able to win enough to cover my beer.
Rub rub rub those fuzzy furry bellies!
Posted by: nurse ratched at January 27, 2026 07:50 PM (k0MVD)
***
It was also Geezer Golf Tuesday, but all the Geezers are still snow birding in warmer climes. (Wimps) But a few still showed up. I was able to win enough to cover my beer.
Posted by: Diogenes at January 27, 2026 09:46 PM (2WIwB)
295
I’d probably hate The Wizard of Oz, too, if I hadn’t been raised on it.
Posted by: Bulg at January 27, 2026 09:44 PM
It's an allegory about the oppression of the proletariat. The Munchkin slaves are ground beneath the heel of the capitalist "Good" Witch.
Posted by: Bulg at January 27, 2026 09:44 PM
It's an allegory about the oppression of the proletariat. The Munchkin slaves are ground beneath the heel of the capitalist "Good" Witch.
Posted by: toby928(c) at January 27, 2026 09:46 PM (jc0TO)
Posted by: Bulg at January 27, 2026 09:46 PM (77rzZ)
297
BTW, it’s not just Tolkien I dislike, but fantasy in general. I’d probably hate The Wizard of Oz, too, if I hadn’t been raised on it.
Posted by: Bulg at January 27, 2026 09:44 PM (77rzZ)
---
When a topic comes up that I dislike, I either bring up a subject that I do enjoy (CHINA!!) or log off for the night.
Give it a try.
Posted by: Bulg at January 27, 2026 09:44 PM (77rzZ)
---
When a topic comes up that I dislike, I either bring up a subject that I do enjoy (CHINA!!) or log off for the night.
Give it a try.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at January 27, 2026 09:47 PM (ZOv7s)
Posted by: JackStraw at January 27, 2026 09:47 PM (viF8m)
299
Yeah, I don't get it either. The sheer *anger* in the statement speaks volumes about something deeper going on. Myths and legends have been with humanity as long as we've tried to explain the natural world, including real-world historical events.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel
Didn't Tolkien specifically set out to write a "Hero's Journey" myth for the Christian world? We didn't have an Epic of Gilgamesh, an Odyssey, or a Journey To The West, because the Bible is not myth. King Arthur is relatively weak sauce in comparison to the likes of Gilgamesh and Heracles.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel
Didn't Tolkien specifically set out to write a "Hero's Journey" myth for the Christian world? We didn't have an Epic of Gilgamesh, an Odyssey, or a Journey To The West, because the Bible is not myth. King Arthur is relatively weak sauce in comparison to the likes of Gilgamesh and Heracles.
Posted by: mikeski at January 27, 2026 09:47 PM (VHUov)
300
I don't give a fuck, Rockstar is a fun song.
Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at January 27, 2026 09:46 PM (zZu0s)
---
Rockstar Sea Shanty is hilarious.
Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at January 27, 2026 09:46 PM (zZu0s)
---
Rockstar Sea Shanty is hilarious.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at January 27, 2026 09:47 PM (ESVrU)
301
And don't even get started on that old colonizing wizard with his advanced technology overawing the simple folk.
Posted by: toby928(c) at January 27, 2026 09:47 PM (jc0TO)
302
There is always Lovecraft.
For certain interpretations of good.
Posted by: Itinerant Alley Butcher at January 27, 2026 09:34 PM (/lPRQ)
I was thinking today that Tim Powers was doing a modern take on Lovecraft. Not so much the Elder and Deep and Old things, but more of the hidden world in plain sight.
Maybe more Jorge Borges
For certain interpretations of good.
Posted by: Itinerant Alley Butcher at January 27, 2026 09:34 PM (/lPRQ)
I was thinking today that Tim Powers was doing a modern take on Lovecraft. Not so much the Elder and Deep and Old things, but more of the hidden world in plain sight.
Maybe more Jorge Borges
Posted by: Kindltot at January 27, 2026 09:47 PM (rbvCR)
303
If you guys would like to see a pretty good documentary about Oklahoma rednecks and seedy bars in the 70’s-80’s I recommend Red Dog.
It was made by Country song writer Luke Dick about his life as a kid and what he found out about his mom.
It was made by Country song writer Luke Dick about his life as a kid and what he found out about his mom.
Posted by: Opinion fact at January 27, 2026 09:48 PM (KDPiq)
304
Didn't Tolkien specifically set out to write a "Hero's Journey" myth for the Christian world? We didn't have an Epic of Gilgamesh, an Odyssey, or a Journey To The West, because the Bible is not myth. King Arthur is relatively weak sauce in comparison to the likes of Gilgamesh and Heracles.
Posted by: mikeski at January 27, 2026 09:47 PM (VHUov)
---
I think it was more of an *English* mythology than one specifically for Christendom, though Tolkien's Catholicism is deeply woven throughout the Legendarium.
Posted by: mikeski at January 27, 2026 09:47 PM (VHUov)
---
I think it was more of an *English* mythology than one specifically for Christendom, though Tolkien's Catholicism is deeply woven throughout the Legendarium.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at January 27, 2026 09:48 PM (ESVrU)
305
"it’s not just Tolkien I dislike, but fantasy in general. I’d probably hate The Wizard of Oz, too, if I hadn’t been raised on it."
Is it the idealism of fantasy that irritates you?
Having been fcked over by my own idealism lately I can relate to the complaint it sets you up to be the Fool
Is it the idealism of fantasy that irritates you?
Having been fcked over by my own idealism lately I can relate to the complaint it sets you up to be the Fool
Posted by: Fen at January 27, 2026 09:49 PM (ciYHQ)
306
Bulg is right. Fiction and Fantasy are lies. Why would anyone spend time on lies? Phony, Fictitious, Nonsense. Put on your big boy/girl pants and stop the baloney.
Posted by: Truth Marching On at January 27, 2026 09:49 PM (oftw2)
307
Posted by: mikeski at January 27, 2026 09:47 PM (VHUov)
From what I understand, he thought England had been robbed by the Roman conquest of its inherent mythology, so he set out to write one.
Also, he explicitly wanted to write a world that had not had a savior or the concept of eventual triumph of good. He was also trying to explore Nordic fatalism in a lot of ways. He thought the idea of fighting on, when you KNOW you will lose AND there is no victory in the afterlife was the ultimate form of courage.
He was exploring a lot of themes.
From what I understand, he thought England had been robbed by the Roman conquest of its inherent mythology, so he set out to write one.
Also, he explicitly wanted to write a world that had not had a savior or the concept of eventual triumph of good. He was also trying to explore Nordic fatalism in a lot of ways. He thought the idea of fighting on, when you KNOW you will lose AND there is no victory in the afterlife was the ultimate form of courage.
He was exploring a lot of themes.
Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at January 27, 2026 09:50 PM (zZu0s)
308
don't give a fuck, Rockstar is a fun song.
Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at January 27, 2026 09:46 PM (zZu0s)
I like the video a lot.
Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at January 27, 2026 09:46 PM (zZu0s)
I like the video a lot.
Posted by: Opinion fact at January 27, 2026 09:50 PM (KDPiq)
309
It's an allegory about the oppression of the proletariat. The Munchkin slaves are ground beneath the heel of the capitalist "Good" Witch.
Posted by: toby928(c) at January 27, 2026 09:46 PM (jc0TO)
Pfft, it is about catspawing a murder scheme against rivals told from the fish's point of view.
Posted by: toby928(c) at January 27, 2026 09:46 PM (jc0TO)
Pfft, it is about catspawing a murder scheme against rivals told from the fish's point of view.
Posted by: Kindltot at January 27, 2026 09:51 PM (rbvCR)
Posted by: Opinion fact at January 27, 2026 09:52 PM (KDPiq)
311
Amelia is trying to re-edumacate the sleepy British masses. Probably too late, but the memes have been fun.
Posted by: BarelyScaryMary at January 27, 2026 09:52 PM (lpTXP)
312
Didn't Tolkien specifically set out to write a "Hero's Journey" myth for the Christian world? We didn't have an Epic of Gilgamesh, an Odyssey, or a Journey To The West, because the Bible is not myth. King Arthur is relatively weak sauce in comparison to the likes of Gilgamesh and Heracles.
Posted by: mikeski at January 27, 2026 09:47 PM (VHUov)
---
Yes, and what's interesting is how much the modern left HATES his work, and tries to vandalize it at every turn.
Posted by: mikeski at January 27, 2026 09:47 PM (VHUov)
---
Yes, and what's interesting is how much the modern left HATES his work, and tries to vandalize it at every turn.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at January 27, 2026 09:52 PM (ZOv7s)
313
310 Beowulf was an English mythology story.
Anglo-Saxon more accurately.
Posted by: Opinion fact at January 27, 2026 09:52 PM (KDPiq)
But even they are somewhat late comers.
Anglo-Saxon more accurately.
Posted by: Opinion fact at January 27, 2026 09:52 PM (KDPiq)
But even they are somewhat late comers.
Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at January 27, 2026 09:53 PM (zZu0s)
314
Thanks all, for letting me vent.
It was fun. But I still hate Tolkien, and fantasy in particular.
But I won’t belabor the topic any more.
It was fun. But I still hate Tolkien, and fantasy in particular.
But I won’t belabor the topic any more.
Posted by: Bulg at January 27, 2026 09:53 PM (77rzZ)
315
Yes, and what's interesting is how much the modern left HATES his work, and tries to vandalize it at every turn.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at January 27, 2026 09:52 PM (ZOv7s)
----
Amazon's Rangzzz of (Girl)Power is the ultimate proof of this.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at January 27, 2026 09:52 PM (ZOv7s)
----
Amazon's Rangzzz of (Girl)Power is the ultimate proof of this.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at January 27, 2026 09:54 PM (ESVrU)
316
Also, he explicitly wanted to write a world that had not had a savior or the concept of eventual triumph of good.
Posted by: Aetius451AD
Which is sort of funny, because Gandalf saved his party by going mano-a-mano with the balrog of Moria, fell into the underworld with it, defeated it, and returned later, so changed that his closest friends didn't recognize him. Sounds familiar.....
Posted by: Aetius451AD
Which is sort of funny, because Gandalf saved his party by going mano-a-mano with the balrog of Moria, fell into the underworld with it, defeated it, and returned later, so changed that his closest friends didn't recognize him. Sounds familiar.....
Posted by: mikeski at January 27, 2026 09:55 PM (VHUov)
317
Be well, Bulg.
Posted by: BarelyScaryMary at January 27, 2026 09:55 PM (lpTXP)
318
Also, he explicitly wanted to write a world that had not had a savior or the concept of eventual triumph of good. He was also trying to explore Nordic fatalism in a lot of ways. He thought the idea of fighting on, when you KNOW you will lose AND there is no victory in the afterlife was the ultimate form of courage.
He was exploring a lot of themes.
Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at January 27, 2026 09:50 PM (zZu0s)
---
Partially correct. Tolkien absolutely believed in the afterlife, and the spirit realm (and life after death) is infused into his work. The fatalism is that in the *material world* evil seems to keep winning, and he uses the Long Defeat to describe how evil seems to be winning but God's victory remains ultimately assured.
He was exploring a lot of themes.
Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at January 27, 2026 09:50 PM (zZu0s)
---
Partially correct. Tolkien absolutely believed in the afterlife, and the spirit realm (and life after death) is infused into his work. The fatalism is that in the *material world* evil seems to keep winning, and he uses the Long Defeat to describe how evil seems to be winning but God's victory remains ultimately assured.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at January 27, 2026 09:55 PM (ZOv7s)
319
What is the problem with Nickelback?
Best I can is that everything not played on the radio really sucks and everybody who bought a CD feels ripped off.
Best I can is that everything not played on the radio really sucks and everybody who bought a CD feels ripped off.
Posted by: Itinerant Alley Butcher at January 27, 2026 09:55 PM (/lPRQ)
320
The Silmarillion is even more intense in this regard. The good guys are heroic, incredibly brave, but they keep losing. They lose it all. Everything. Evil wins.
But then...you get the idea.
But then...you get the idea.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at January 27, 2026 09:57 PM (ZOv7s)
321
Sorry, folks. I grew up in a family of six argumentative kids. So sometimes I just need to recreate the family arguments, for old times’ sake. I have no personal animus against any of you.
Posted by: Bulg at January 27, 2026 09:59 PM (77rzZ)
322
Which is sort of funny, because Gandalf saved his party by going mano-a-mano with the balrog of Moria, fell into the underworld with it, defeated it, and returned later, so changed that his closest friends didn't recognize him. Sounds familiar.....
Posted by: mikeski at January 27, 2026 09:55 PM (VHUov)
---
Tolkien was planting the seeds for people to hear Christian stories and think "Hey, that's just like that book I read!" Make the mystic feel familiar. It has worked.
Posted by: mikeski at January 27, 2026 09:55 PM (VHUov)
---
Tolkien was planting the seeds for people to hear Christian stories and think "Hey, that's just like that book I read!" Make the mystic feel familiar. It has worked.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at January 27, 2026 09:59 PM (ZOv7s)
323
Sorry, folks. I grew up in a family of six argumentative kids. So sometimes I just need to recreate the family arguments, for old times’ sake. I have no personal animus against any of you.
Posted by: Bulg at January 27, 2026 09:59 PM (77rzZ)
---
That's why we're here!
Posted by: Bulg at January 27, 2026 09:59 PM (77rzZ)
---
That's why we're here!
Posted by: Bulg's Free Family Therapy Clinic at January 27, 2026 10:00 PM (ZOv7s)
324
317 Thank you, Mary. I will try.
Posted by: Bulg at January 27, 2026 10:00 PM (77rzZ)
Posted by: Helena Handbasket at January 27, 2026 10:02 PM (ULPxl)
326
I thought Chevy wagons had names like Nomad, Brookwood, Kingswood, etc. Ford never called its wagons Galaxies, they used Ranch Wagon, Country Sedan and Country Squire. I'm slightly skeptical about that 409 Impala Wagon.
Posted by: Ford-The Wagon Master at January 27, 2026 10:21 PM (oftw2)
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