Blood For Microchips? What Happens if China Threatens To Cut Off The World's Semiconductor Supply?

There's a global shortage of semiconductors. It's affecting appliances, automobile manufacturing, medical devices, any business that needs a truck, and, well, practically everything that has an "On / Off" switch.

There are few products - and barely any economic transactions - that don’t involve microchips nowadays. And almost none of the chips are made in the United States. To their everlasting shame, America’s most brilliant thought leaders and corporate globalists decided that relying on foreign semiconductor production was a good idea.

In 1990, 37% of global microchip manufacturing was done in the US. That dropped to 12% by 2020, and it’s under 10% today. So where did all the production go? Mainly to Taiwan (aka “Republic of China” ) which currently manufactures 66% of all global microchips, with South Korea at 19% and Communist China at 6%. That totals 91% from just three countries whose fates are pretty much determined by the Chinese Communist Party, with over 70% from China and Taiwan alone.

Do you remember “No blood for oil?” We may soon be discussing whether to spill American blood abroad to maintain the flow of microchips.

Communist China has been saber-rattling about Taiwan for a long time. What would happen if it were to invade Taiwan now? Do we engage in a naval fight with China to protect Taiwan – and the supply of microchips? Or do we stand down and let China have Taiwan, just to keep the microchips coming?

Or, think about this - if China were to simply blockade Taiwan, global manufacturing would come to a screeching halt. And with it, so would global economic activity. So, would China risk the damage it would cause its own economy by blockading Taiwan? Maybe. Or would it only have to hold on long enough until the free world agreed to hand over Taiwan?

Not surprisingly - unless you’re a naive globalist who thinks communist tyrants are just well-intentioned “citizens of the world” - Communist China is hell-bent on becoming self-sufficient in microchip production.

China is positioned to become the largest producer by 2030: its latest five-year plan sets the goal of meeting 70% of its semiconductor needs by 2025.

Gosh. Wouldn't it be nice if America's best and brightest minds thought that way about domestic production of critical goods here in the US?

Compounding the chip shortage problem is that global shipping has been disrupted and there is also a global container shortage. Principled Free Traders™ were completely blindsided by the failure of the Just-In-Time-Inventory gimmick when combined with a vulnerable supply chain coming from the other side of the globe.

On top of that, we have the issue of virtually all semiconductor production coming from one vulnerable little corner of the globe - a corner of the globe with a hegemonic superpower in an expansionist mood. Even children learn not to put all their eggs in one basket, but that concept is somehow alien to the mal-educated executives that roam corporate C-suites. So we're in a situation now in which as Taiwan goes, so goes manufacturing throughout the free world.

Principled Free Traders^TM sometimes mumble that despite their zeal to offshore and outsource everything, they draw the line at national security. But since you can't fire a semi-conductor or eat a microchip, it never crossed their minds that chip manufacturing is a national security issue - that is, if you consider the ability to grow food in the United States as something essential to our national well being.

The biggest factor impacting the ability of U.S. farmers to produce the food we need has nothing to do with the weather, the markets, trade, regulations, or disease. The worldwide shortage of computer chips will impact all aspects of agriculture for the next two years and beyond. Almost every piece of farm equipment, like most everything else in our lives, needs a computer chip to operate.

Those American globalists who determined that microchip manufacturing is not essential to America's national security are as dangerous and ignorant as the government officials who felt qualified to determine which businesses were "non-essential" during the Covid shutdowns.

No blood for microchips. Domestic chip production is critical to our national security. Let's bring it home.

(buck.throckmorton at protonmail dot com)

Posted by: Buck Throckmorton at 01:12 PM

Comments

(Jump to bottom of comments)

1 First

Posted by: runner at July 16, 2021 12:13 PM (Q2cEs)

2 Well, yeah, this is the reason we can do fuck all to China. They make all the things.

Fucking US military would be tits up within a month of going up against China.

Fucking ridiculous.

Posted by: Thomas Bender at July 16, 2021 12:13 PM (OGl0X)

3 MICROCHIP SHORTAGE!!

Posted by: runner at July 16, 2021 12:14 PM (Q2cEs)

4 I also may have had one martini too many at lunch.

Posted by: Thomas Bender at July 16, 2021 12:14 PM (OGl0X)

5 hola chamucos y chamucas y ace

Posted by: jeet at July 16, 2021 12:15 PM (g741k)

6 We should make a free trade deal with China and encourage companies to relocate manufacturing there! This will provide china with much needed stimulus and make them more stable in the long term.

-Severely Conservative Conservative.

Posted by: Cat Ass Trophy at July 16, 2021 12:15 PM (gpKIi)

7 Fuck the Chinese...let's get his over and call the russians, and agreed to destroy red china now and get it over with

Posted by: Nevergiveup at July 16, 2021 12:16 PM (GPwVZ)

8 I am alarmed, we might have to move everything to Bangladesh, Malaysia and indonesia.

Posted by: runner at July 16, 2021 12:16 PM (Q2cEs)

9 AT LEAST THE COMMIES CAN PLAN FOR THE FUTURE

Posted by: JB at July 16, 2021 12:16 PM (TO8Xm)

10 So, would China risk the damage it would cause its own economy by blockading Taiwan?
---------

Would they risk damage to their own people by releasing a virus?

Posted by: ... at July 16, 2021 12:16 PM (c3Hg2)

11 What happens? I don't know, I remember when everything ran just fine with plugs, coils and distributors.
World worked just fine back then.

Posted by: JROD at July 16, 2021 12:16 PM (0jZnq)

12 What if we run out of microchips to run the microchip foundries?

Posted by: Cat Ass Trophy at July 16, 2021 12:16 PM (gpKIi)

13 FIRST!!!!!

Posted by: Sponge - Saying Ashli Babbitt at July 16, 2021 12:17 PM (Zz0t1)

14 What Happens if China Threatens To Cut Off The World's Semiconductor Supply?

That's why the President is bringing manufacturing back to the US. It's just common sense.

Posted by: Someone Who Missed The Election at July 16, 2021 12:17 PM (9Fwwf)

15 Find/replace those apostrophes with html apostrophes please. It's hurting my OCD.

Posted by: Filmladd at July 16, 2021 12:17 PM (pvOFU)

16 I nooded, you no noodin' bastiges.

Posted by: Sponge - Saying Ashli Babbitt at July 16, 2021 12:17 PM (Zz0t1)

17 What would happen if it were to invade Taiwan now?

-----

"The Big Guy's" cut increases from 10% to 20%.

Posted by: ShainS at July 16, 2021 12:18 PM (Ag1Xg)

18 Thoroughly Modern Milly and his Tranny Army gonna fight that war for chips?

Posted by: Guy Smiley at July 16, 2021 12:18 PM (Bmy3R)

19 Well first we'd have to have an exit strategy, because that's what conflicts are all about. This silliness about interests and objectives is a distraction, and we can't let reality history or the universe be factors in our "planning".

But as long as that's clear, the idea of the US actually doing something somewhat difficult, now, is hilarious. A country that replaces its most effective president in generations with non-entities and buffoons worse even than the Obama years is not going to do anything.

And it's all moot because as has been explained a billion times, Taiwan is Chy-nah's biggest investor, their chips are critical to Chy-nah's export-based economy. Unlike the US Chy-nah is unlikely to deliberately inflict massive damage on their own economy.

Posted by: rhomboid (OTzUX) at July 16, 2021 12:18 PM (OTzUX)

20 That would be the reasonable thing to do. I think we have production over there partially to encourage us to defend Taiwan.

Posted by: Red Turban Someguy (z5Vrg) - The Republic is Already Dead at July 16, 2021 12:19 PM (z5Vrg)

21 Your intellectual betters have been selling you up the river for a LONG TIME, folks.

We didn't get this fucked overnight.

Posted by: Sponge - Saying Ashli Babbitt at July 16, 2021 12:19 PM (Zz0t1)

22 You'd think our rich guys could build robot slaves to make semiconductors and chips and make billions.

Posted by: SkylerKat at July 16, 2021 12:19 PM (SXIn9)

23 Find/replace those apostrophes with html apostrophes please. It's hurting my OCD.
Posted by: Filmladd at July 16, 2021 12:17 PM (pvOFU)
----
Agreed. This may be a "smart military blog," but it doesn't handle "smart" punctuation very well. Use straight quotes and apostrophes, not smart ones.

Posted by: Lord Squirrel at July 16, 2021 12:19 PM (ZIoLS)

24 I can't see the word Conductor without thinking...

LEOPOLD!

Posted by: garrett at July 16, 2021 12:19 PM (6Uwi1)

25 I remember when everything ran just fine with plugs, coils and distributors

Oh, yes. Adjusting and cleaning points was fucking great. And fiddling with a wonky carburetor was the tits.

Posted by: Cat Ass Trophy at July 16, 2021 12:20 PM (gpKIi)

26 It's not that simple. While I also abhor the "free trade" fuckers who outsourced so much manufacturing to the Far East, it wasn't all their fault. They had no real choice. Microchip manufacturing became so prohibitively expensive in the USA -- higher wages, much higher building and development costs, endless red tape, higher taxes, etc. -- that it was only natural that manufacturing shift to places where it's much cheaper. I also believe, although I'm not sure, that the microchip market became consolidated with fewer players, and that made it even easier to move everything overseas.

Posted by: Elric Blade at July 16, 2021 12:20 PM (iFTx/)

27
Hahahahahahaha, US helping itself under the communist corporate fascist planned degradation and destruction of America it's constitution and it's role in the world?

You funny boy. You be killed last.

Posted by: Joey Xiden at July 16, 2021 12:20 PM (jWL1M)

28 Do you need slave labor to make semi-conductors?

Posted by: Seems Legit at July 16, 2021 12:20 PM (KxxIG)

29 Even children learn not to put all their eggs in one basket, but that concept is somehow alien to the mal-educated executives that roam corporate C-suites.

The concept isn't alien, it's irrelevant. For most denizens of the big offices, all that matters is getting the biggest bonus possible before they jump ship to fuck up the next target.

Most CEOs spend their days listening to buzzword laden powerpoint presentations from people who want to climb the corporate ladder and don't give a damn about the health of the current company.

Posted by: I used to have a different nic at July 16, 2021 12:21 PM (EjmvJ)

30 But our fabulous Navy will totally stun the Chines in their matching uniforms and pumps. Provided the ships stop crashing into each other long enough for the Chinese to notice before chasing them off.

WASTF

Posted by: Bete at July 16, 2021 12:21 PM (+Ccq4)

31 Do chips wear out?

Posted by: Puddi Head at July 16, 2021 12:21 PM (hgEWn)

32 28 Do you need slave labor to make semi-conductors?
Posted by: Seems Legit at July 16, 2021 12:20 PM (KxxIG)

No. Taiwan is probably some nexus of regulatory approval that makes them the production center for the US.

Posted by: Red Turban Someguy (z5Vrg) - The Republic is Already Dead at July 16, 2021 12:21 PM (z5Vrg)

33 Have prison folk do a lot of the microchip work. The dirty, dangerous parts of it.

China is planning to invade Taiwan within the decade. Good reason to nuke the PRC. They lack a second strike ability.

Posted by: The Man from Athens at July 16, 2021 12:21 PM (QMwOT)

34 Thoroughly Modern Milly and his Tranny Army gonna fight that war for chips?

Posted by: Guy Smiley at July 16, 2021 12:18 PM (Bmy3R)

***

Climb Mt Silicon!

Posted by: Diogenes at July 16, 2021 12:21 PM (axyOa)

35 I don't need microchips, I ride the bus

Posted by: Urban Millennial at July 16, 2021 12:21 PM (qAR6u)

36 We need microchip pipelines! Turn the spigot on!

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks at July 16, 2021 12:22 PM (fjTzu)

37 The biggest factor impacting the ability of U.S. farmers to produce the food we need has nothing to do with the weather, the markets, trade, regulations, or disease. The worldwide shortage of computer chips will impact all aspects of agriculture for the next two years and beyond. Almost every piece of farm equipment, like most everything else in our lives, needs a computer chip to operate.

Farms are already in full production mode. The farmers already have their equipment. They're already in business. They can still farm.

How many NEW farms are coming on line that would need new equipment? Not too many.

They're writing as if there's NO FARMING going on at all right now.......

Posted by: Sponge - Saying Ashli Babbitt at July 16, 2021 12:22 PM (Zz0t1)

38 Almost every piece of farm equipment, like most everything else in our lives, needs a computer chip to operate.

Yeah. That fact always creeped me out. I want the individual farmer in charge of his own equipment.

Posted by: Emmie at July 16, 2021 12:22 PM (Hrwnm)

39 Fucking US military would be tits up within a month of going up against China.

You just need the ability and willingness to put one bomb at the base of one dam.

Posted by: I used to have a different nic at July 16, 2021 12:22 PM (EjmvJ)

40 There was a time we restricted China's access to the most advanced technology. But that turned out to not be profitable for the big money donors so national security had to take a back seat to muh corporations.

Posted by: Cat Ass Trophy at July 16, 2021 12:22 PM (gpKIi)

41 Even children learn not to put all their eggs in one basket, but that concept is somehow alien to the mal-educated executives that roam corporate C-suites.

If, and only if, you want a thriving and independent populace.

Not as smart as you thought, are you?

Posted by: The CEO's at July 16, 2021 12:23 PM (1vynn)

42 You'd think our rich guys could build robot slaves to make semiconductors and chips and make billions.
Posted by: SkylerKat at July 16, 2021 12:19 PM (SXIn9)

Brilliant!

Posted by: SkyNet at July 16, 2021 12:23 PM (yQpMk)

43 hiya

Posted by: JT at July 16, 2021 12:24 PM (arJlL)

44 Communist China has been saber-rattling about Taiwan for a long time. What would happen if it were to invade Taiwan now?
........

Joe would have a stroke and Kamalama would offer surrender.

Posted by: wth at July 16, 2021 12:24 PM (v0R5T)

45 @24 garrett-I'm just thinking chips and salsa.

Posted by: JROD at July 16, 2021 12:24 PM (0jZnq)

46 China needs to do exactly this or we need to do it for them.

It's going to suck, but the only way we're going to break this dependency is to show exactly what consequences it has. Our leaders are all in China's pocket, but hungry unemployed people tend to be hard to manage - and that's where we are headed if we don't put a stop to this. Trump made a start, but barely a start. It needs to be a lot more aggressive. We aren't going to do it, so the only hope is for China to put the squeeze on the world herself. That's a very dangerous gamble for China, but they might make it.

Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at July 16, 2021 12:24 PM (3p5uk)

47 Fucking US military would be tits up within a month of going up against China.

Against China?! What in the hell are you even talking about?

Posted by: The Joint Chiefs at July 16, 2021 12:24 PM (1vynn)

48 Build your own microchips, Americans.

Oh, wait.

Posted by: Moron Robbie - Juneteenth, because we needed another holiday celebrating white people being badass at July 16, 2021 12:25 PM (BJzc5)

49 Now Elric, don't go confusing people. Just because a huge part of the reason for migration of manufacturing outside the US is self-inflicted idiocy, making it the rational choice, it's not politically correct to point this out. Even though one of Trump's greatest accomplishments was to begin reversing the tide, substantially through trying to systematically remove the self-inflicted idiocies.

Because remember the insane eco-totalitarians and parasitic union scum that made so much domestic industry unsustainable are our friends, their sabotage must be indulged, rational reactions to it are not allowed.

Or something.

Posted by: rhomboid (OTzUX) at July 16, 2021 12:25 PM (OTzUX)

50 One big solar magnetic storm like the one in 1859 and we'll find out just how far microchips are embedded in everything

Posted by: kbdabear at July 16, 2021 12:25 PM (qAR6u)

51 What would happen if it were to invade Taiwan now?
-----
"The Big Guy's" cut increases from 10% to 20%.
Posted by: ShainS at July 16, 2021 12:18 PM (Ag1Xg)

Not even enough to keep up with inflation.

Posted by: clutch cargo - processed in a facility that may contain lead at July 16, 2021 12:25 PM (wAnMi)

52 Taiwan is probably some nexus of regulatory approval that makes them the production center for the US.

TSMC was willing to put up the money to build the factories. Intel was more interested in dividends for the hedge fund shareholders.

Posted by: Cat Ass Trophy at July 16, 2021 12:25 PM (gpKIi)

53 Who builds the machines you use to make microchips?

Posted by: Tinfoilbaby at July 16, 2021 12:26 PM (O7b05)

54 I believe semiconductor manufacturing is pretty environmentally "unfriendly" - which would explain why the left outsourced it to China.

Posted by: 18-1 at July 16, 2021 12:26 PM (DpkTQ)

55 Do you need slave labor to make semi-conductors?
Posted by: Seems Legit

I used to be a small part of that in a small semi-conductor fab house.

Yeah, that was over 40 years ago, when the US made ALL the chips in the world.
And a lot of the companies, trying to recover their investment monies faster, couldn't wait to license their technology overseas.
At first, Japan was really the only country (as a whole) that "got it". S. Korea was next.
If I were to make a guess (and I could be wrong), I think that most of chip making in Taiwan has been derived from Japan, not really the US.
Most of the chip-making in S. Korea was derived from the US.
China steals/copies everything they have, and probably are spin-offs from Taiwan.
I still think that AMD and Intel make their big processor chips in the US.

Posted by: Bozo Conservative.....Living on the prison planet at July 16, 2021 12:26 PM (vcOmj)

56 This globalism thingie seems to be working out real well, don't it?

Posted by: wth at July 16, 2021 12:26 PM (v0R5T)

57 It's high time for another photograph of Joe in mirrored sunglasses.

Posted by: Brother Northernlurker just another guy at July 16, 2021 12:26 PM (cSyAR)

58 The Chinese have no fear of Biden.

Posted by: BeckoningChasm at July 16, 2021 12:26 PM (E+OcO)

59 Learn to Chip

Posted by: Cat Ass Trophy at July 16, 2021 12:27 PM (gpKIi)

60 48 Build your own microchips, Americans.

many spaces added: https://hackaday.com/ 2021/06/29/ garage- semiconductor- fab- gets- reactive- ion- etching- upgrade/

Posted by: Comrade Anachronda, behind the Newsom curtain at July 16, 2021 12:27 PM (v3pYe)

61 If China were to blockade today I do not know how we could not intervene. We would have to right? Or am I missing something else?

Posted by: thathalfrican - The One at July 16, 2021 12:27 PM (jr2EU)

62
"No Blood for Tampons!"

- - Randi Swinegarten

Posted by: J.J. Sefton at July 16, 2021 12:27 PM (s2VJv)

63 Buck Throckmorton stole my childhood.

Posted by: Greta Thunberg, meatball-scented Druid philosopher at July 16, 2021 12:27 PM (W4eKo)

64 I believe semiconductor manufacturing is pretty environmentally "unfriendly" - which would explain why the left outsourced it to China.

Posted by: 18-1

No, it's not. Not really. Not compared to making steel, plastic, aluminum, or a host of other things.

Posted by: Bozo Conservative.....Living on the prison planet at July 16, 2021 12:27 PM (vcOmj)

65 The computer focus has done some good...I do love the access to information. I am not so sure though that if given a button to push that would have made computers never happen I wouldn't do it. The negatives (expanded all pervasive media, the ability to gather data on everyone, the utter disposabliity and devaluation of physical goods thru abundance, the sense of unbridled power information control gave the elites, the possibility of automated force projection systems in the future) probably outweigh the benefits.

Posted by: azjaeger at July 16, 2021 12:27 PM (3/XaG)

66 Your intellectual betters have been selling you up the river for a LONG TIME, folks.

We didn't get this fucked overnight.
Posted by: Sponge - Saying Ashli Babbitt at July 16, 2021 12:19 PM (Zz0t1)

The lack of concentrated outrage over this is yet another GOP betrayal.

Posted by: Captain Hate Won't Forget Ashli Babbitt at July 16, 2021 12:27 PM (y7DUB)

67 So, would China risk the damage it would cause its own economy by blockading Taiwan?
---------

Would they risk damage to their own people by releasing a virus?
Posted by: ...

"Nice Three Stooges Dam ya got there, Chinkster"

"Be a shame if somethin' happened to it"

Posted by: JT at July 16, 2021 12:28 PM (arJlL)

68 I believe semiconductor manufacturing is pretty environmentally "unfriendly" - which would explain why the left outsourced it to China.

**

Same as all-items recycling.

That's my absolute favorite, too. Cities errywhere require people to meticulously sort their "recyclables" in order to pay China to ship it overseas in enormous oil-burning vessels so they can pile it into huge trash mountains and burn it.

Posted by: Moron Robbie - how are the door to door vaccine injectors keeping the chemical at -70 Celsius? at July 16, 2021 12:28 PM (6Y/Rl)

69 40 There was a time we restricted China's access to the most advanced
technology. But that turned out to not be profitable for the big money
donors so national security had to take a back seat to muh corporations.

Posted by: Cat Ass Trophy at July 16, 2021 12:22 PM (gpKIi)

That plus we decided to educate the chinese at our "best" universities giving them access to research projects. Then our cybersecurity geniuses keep using passwords that match their luggage (1234 - thank you SpaceBalls). Let us also not forget that manufacturing processes that pollute we won't allow on our shores, so it gets sent overseas where they don't have an EPA or enviro-whackos.

Posted by: Our Country is Screwed at July 16, 2021 12:28 PM (N39Ws)

70 Over hill over dale
We all take it in the tail
As these gaysons go prancing along.

Posted by: Thoroughly MOdern Milly's Army at July 16, 2021 12:28 PM (Bmy3R)

71
"Look fat, I had a double scoop of chocolate chocolate chip. Now, go be clean and articulate while I snap that kids training bra!"

- - Zhou Bai-Din

Posted by: J.J. Sefton at July 16, 2021 12:28 PM (s2VJv)

72 It's high time for another photograph of Joe in mirrored sunglasses.
Posted by: Brother Northernlurker just another guy at July 16, 2021 12:26 PM (cSyAR)
.......

Did his eye start bleeding again?

Posted by: wth at July 16, 2021 12:28 PM (v0R5T)

73 China doesn't have the capability to make cutting edge chips because they don't have access to the most modern XUV steppers. Those are made by ASML, a Dutch company, and everyone has agreed that China should not get access to those machines. They'd just copy (steal) them, and use the resulting chip glut to force their will on everyone else. Sure, that could change, but I get the sense that people have figured out the Chinese game and know that a quick buck today means oblivion tomorrow.

Posted by: pep at July 16, 2021 12:28 PM (ZsR3z)

74 62
"No Blood for Tampons!"

- - Randi Swinegarten

Posted by: J.J. Sefton at July 16, 2021 12:27 PM (s2VJv)

That doesn't jive with the "period poverty" being championed in our schools today.

Posted by: Our Country is Screwed at July 16, 2021 12:29 PM (N39Ws)

75 How about we export a bio bug tailored for Asians?

Posted by: Puddi Head at July 16, 2021 12:29 PM (hgEWn)

76 36 We need microchip pipelines! Turn the spigot on!
etch, baby, etch!

Posted by: Comrade Anachronda, behind the Newsom curtain at July 16, 2021 12:29 PM (v3pYe)

77 Another real choke point in high-end chip production is that only one company can make the manufacturing system required. ASML, a Dutch company spun-off from Philips, sells the system for $150 million.

http://bitly.ws/fzTx

Posted by: Meade Lux Lewis, Domestic Terrorist at July 16, 2021 12:29 PM (sWM8x)

78 Sweater meats.

Posted by: ... at July 16, 2021 12:29 PM (c3Hg2)

79 China is also cornering the market on rare earth minerals which coincidentally are used in microchips, cell phones, computer memory etc.

Posted by: Guy Mohawk at July 16, 2021 12:29 PM (r+sAi)

80 73 ". . . I get the sense that people have figured out the Chinese game and know that a quick buck today means oblivion tomorrow."
Posted by: pep at July 16, 2021 12:28 PM (ZsR3z)

If they did,, they're about 35 years too late.

Posted by: J.J. Sefton at July 16, 2021 12:30 PM (s2VJv)

81 Back in the day I was an IT contractor at a couple of silicon wafer plants. We grew the crystals to shipping the wafers to chip manufacturers.

One of the problems was the size of the wafers needed to keep getting larger from 6 inch, then, 8 inch, then 12 inch. A plant couldn't keep retooling fast enough to keep up. Other plants around the world would be built cheaper for the next wafer size.

The 2nd plant was built by Mitsubishi and cost close to a billion dollars and they basically walked away from it because by the time it was up and running the wafers were too small and there were few manufacturers wanting those size wafers.

Posted by: Beartooth at July 16, 2021 12:30 PM (Mo2gk)

82 79 China is also cornering the market on rare earth minerals which coincidentally are used in microchips, cell phones, computer memory etc.
Posted by: Guy Mohawk at July 16, 2021 12:29 PM (r+sAi)

One of the reasons PIEOTUS Trump was interested in getting Greenland, aside from its strategic value at the Arctic Circle.

Posted by: J.J. Sefton at July 16, 2021 12:30 PM (s2VJv)

83 Sweater meats.
Posted by: ... at July 16, 2021 12:29 PM (c3Hg2)

Mmmmmmm.......meat sweats.......

Posted by: Sponge - Saying Ashli Babbitt at July 16, 2021 12:30 PM (Zz0t1)

84 What Happens if China Threatens To Cut Off The World's Semiconductor Supply?

The Conservative Case For Free-Market Blockades!

Posted by: The National Cruise Review at July 16, 2021 12:31 PM (DMQdU)

85 We could just invade Canada and put all those Quebecois to work making Chips.

Posted by: garrett at July 16, 2021 12:31 PM (6Uwi1)

86 And what if Taiwan is part of China again. It was prior to 1895 and from 1945-1949. Tawian, like the Crimea, is a disputed land. I don't think China would just take it, but if they did, there's not much we could do about it.

Posted by: rcocean at July 16, 2021 12:31 PM (evE25)

87 Sorta related, or not: My wife's department (IT) had just hired a dude from India. Interview process was via webex video. Aced the technical portion. But when he started working he didn't seem to know even some of the most basic stuff. They suspect this guy hired a different guy to do the interview to get him the job.

Posted by: Swingin' for the downs at July 16, 2021 12:31 PM (HeVwL)

88 84 What Happens if China Threatens To Cut Off The World's Semiconductor Supply?

The Conservative Case For Free-Market Blockades!
Posted by: The National Cruise Review at July 16, 2021 12:31 PM (DMQdU)

The Conservative Case for "Coffee Table Mandarin."

Posted by: J.J. Sefton at July 16, 2021 12:31 PM (s2VJv)

89 We suffered through the gas shortages and economic shocks imposed by the OPEC cartel's oil embargo in the 70s. That took coordination of multiple countries.

China can unilaterally cut off chips or medicines or toilet paper and we'll be in a bad way.

Posted by: JM in Florida at July 16, 2021 12:32 PM (HCeRP)

90 60 48 Build your own microchips, Americans.

many spaces added: https://hackaday.com/ 2021/06/29/ garage- semiconductor- fab- gets- reactive- ion- etching- upgrade/

Posted by: Comrade Anachronda, behind the Newsom curtain at July 16, 2021 12:27 PM (v3pYe)

Embrace the power of tinyurl.com. There is more space in that URL you shared than at a Kamala Harris event.

Posted by: Our Country is Screwed at July 16, 2021 12:32 PM (N39Ws)

91 I look forward to seeing what China does with Afghanistan. Not so much Afghanistan the country (answer: rape the land for the resources) as murdering the inhabitants because they won't give any f*cks about public opinion.

Posted by: Moron Robbie - how are the door to door vaccine injectors keeping the chemical at -70 Celsius? at July 16, 2021 12:32 PM (6Y/Rl)

92 We could just invade Canada and put all those Quebecois to work making Chips.
Posted by: garrett at July 16, 2021 12:31 PM (6Uwi1)

They would just cover them in gravy and cheese curds.

Posted by: Brother Northernlurker just another guy at July 16, 2021 12:33 PM (cSyAR)

93 We can start our own micro-chip processing plant here amongst the horde, we'll call it Granny Goose Chip Manufacturing. We'll start up in one of the states that succeed.

Posted by: JROD at July 16, 2021 12:33 PM (0jZnq)

94 Sorta related, or not: My wife's department (IT) had just hired a dude from India. Interview process was via webex video. Aced the technical portion. But when he started working he didn't seem to know even some of the most basic stuff. They suspect this guy hired a different guy to do the interview to get him the job.
Posted by: Swingin' for the downs

Did he have BO ?

Posted by: JT at July 16, 2021 12:33 PM (arJlL)

95
Communist China has been saber-rattling about Taiwan for a long time. What would happen if it were to invade Taiwan now?
........

Joe would have a stroke and Kamalama would offer surrender.
Posted by: wth

C'mon. man! Joe would take Xi out behind the bleachers and whoop up on him like Corn Pop!

Posted by: Bertram Cabot, Jr. at July 16, 2021 12:33 PM (63Dwl)

96 Ad while we're at it, hows about we do rare earth element refining? Trump had a plant in Texas in motion, but I don't know where that stands with the junta in charge.

Their enviroweenie lawyer guilds/EPA can keep that plant from ever happening, and China controls 95% of world production. Hell, we sell them ore from our mines.

Yes, it's a tough process, with many steps using nasty chemicals to get these quite similar elements (chemically speaking) apart from one another. I'm sure we CAN do it cleanly though. At a higher cost, since we give a fuck about the environment. The Chinese don't.

Posted by: GnuBreed at July 16, 2021 12:33 PM (F0YaR)

97 Given that China now controls an American puppet regime, talking about protecting Taiwan is a bit rich.

Luckily, the Taiwanese are an advanced people. If a Chinese invasion was met with nuclear devices razing Chinese cities, the Jingping era would end quickly. And after Hong Kong, no one on Taiwan wants to submit to the Chinese.

Posted by: trev006 at July 16, 2021 12:33 PM (Eqkqm)

98 It takes 10 years for a microchip well to start producing. No point in building one now.

Posted by: Cat Ass Trophy at July 16, 2021 12:33 PM (gpKIi)

99 China can unilaterally cut off chips or medicines or toilet paper and we'll be in a bad way.
Posted by: JM in Florida at July 16, 2021 12:32 PM (HCeRP)

**

Heck, they're already trying to get us ready for shortages. Been conditioning us that it's the "new normal" these days.

Posted by: Moron Robbie - how are the door to door vaccine injectors keeping the chemical at -70 Celsius? at July 16, 2021 12:33 PM (6Y/Rl)

100 I don't think China would just take it, but if they did, there's not much we could do about it.
Sure there is, assuming we have the will. A few MOABs dropped on TSMC's fab lines, and there goes the PRC's main motivation for invading.

Posted by: pep at July 16, 2021 12:34 PM (ZsR3z)

101 How about we export a bio bug tailored for Asians?

We're trying, but they haven't taken the bait yet. They keep signing up for engineering courses instead of liberal arts bilge.

Posted by: t-bird at July 16, 2021 12:34 PM (BvZkh)

102 It takes 10 years for a microchip well to start producing. No point in building one now.
Posted by: Cat Ass Trophy at July 16, 2021 12:33 PM (gpKIi)

***

Very nicely done.

Posted by: Moron Robbie - how are the door to door vaccine injectors keeping the chemical at -70 Celsius? at July 16, 2021 12:34 PM (6Y/Rl)

103 Nice Callback C A T

Posted by: garrett at July 16, 2021 12:34 PM (6Uwi1)

104 86 And what if Taiwan is part of China again. It was prior to 1895 and from 1945-1949. Tawian, like the Crimea, is a disputed land. I don't think China would just take it, but if they did, there's not much we could do about it.
Posted by: rcocean at July 16, 2021 12:31 PM (evE25)

Umm, it's hardly disputed. And if you think the Chi-Coms are not at this very minute - as they have been for well over a few decades now - figuring all the angles to getting it back, you are sadly mistaken.

And with a US Military led by actual pro-Communist generals and admirals focused on debasing and degrading all military preparedness except for hunting down us political dissidents right here, they are a red cvnt hair's breadth from pulling the trigger.

Posted by: J.J. Sefton at July 16, 2021 12:34 PM (s2VJv)

105 39 Fucking US military would be tits up within a month of going up against China.

You just need the ability and willingness to put one bomb at the base of one dam.
Posted by: I used to have a different nic at July 16, 2021 12:22 PM (EjmvJ)

Yup. China fucked up big time building that vulnerable monstrosity.

Posted by: Justsayin' at July 16, 2021 12:34 PM (Fs5vw)

106 Sure there is, assuming we have the will. A few MOABs dropped on TSMC's fab lines, and there goes the PRC's main motivation for invading.
Posted by: pep at July 16, 2021 12:34 PM (ZsR3z)
++++
Economic motivation, maybe. There's still a whole lot of political and cultural motivation, from mainland supremacy to regional and global hegemony.

Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at July 16, 2021 12:34 PM (3p5uk)

107 Brought to you by NAFTA. NAFTA: fucking over Americans since 1-1-94, just as planned.

Posted by: BackwardsBoy - Psychos Rule! No, really. They're in charge now. (HaL55) at July 16, 2021 12:35 PM (HaL55)

108 Just send all of those unemployed coal miners to college to learn how to make chips.

Posted by: Cat Ass Trophy at July 16, 2021 12:35 PM (gpKIi)

109 "Farms are already in full production mode. The farmers already have their equipment. They're already in business. They can still farm."

yeah, the new stuff might need a little computer maintenance, but I don't think they are burning out the old chips every year or any such thing.

Maybe the chip issue slows down new production (idk), but that is about a little increased efficiency ... farmers can use the equipment they have now for many years (from my perspective).

Posted by: illiniwek at July 16, 2021 12:35 PM (Cus5s)

110 I don't understand equating Taiwan with CCP. That said people have been sounding the warning for decades that we can't outsource production of products crucial to the security of the United States. The silver lining in Covid is that it brought this issue to the forefront again. I'm pessimistic though that anything will be done. The US government has one job and they have been a miserable failure at it the last 30 years.

Posted by: Just a side note at July 16, 2021 12:36 PM (2DOZq)

111 This sexy, leggy girl on the beach is disappointed that imaging sensors might become rarer and more expensive, because it means that pictures of her will not be so readily available:
https://is.gd/heH2MI

Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at July 16, 2021 12:36 PM (3p5uk)

112 Looks like I'll never be able to get a chip for my '90 F350.
ha ha ha suckers!

Posted by: wth at July 16, 2021 12:36 PM (v0R5T)

113 >You'd think our rich guys could build robot slaves to make semiconductors and chips and make billions.
Posted by: SkylerKat at July 16, 2021 12:19 PM (SXIn9)

The problem isn't labor costs. The semiconductor foundries are already highly automated. The problem that no one wants to talk about is that the other countries (esp China) have lax environmental laws compared to us.

Posted by: Dworkin Barimen - anarcho-tyranny? you're soaking in it! at July 16, 2021 12:36 PM (DXFDM)

114 When the TP runs out, we can wipe our asses with the Constitution!

Oh, wait. We're already doing that.

Posted by: The Dems and NeverTrump birm at July 16, 2021 12:37 PM (Bmy3R)

115 "We can start our own micro-chip processing plant here amongst the horde, we'll call it Granny Goose Chip Manufacturing. We'll start up in one of the states that succeed."
Posted by: JROD at July 16, 2021

I'm going to start company that builds aftermarket intakes and carbs with a division that makes points and condenser distributors in America 2.0.

Posted by: lowandslow at July 16, 2021 12:37 PM (qH6FZ)

116 Slave solar slave chips same diff

Posted by: Rhennigantx at July 16, 2021 12:37 PM (LYheq)

117 The silver lining in Covid is that it brought this issue to the forefront again. I'm pessimistic though that anything will be done. The US government has one job and they have been a miserable failure at it the last 30 years.

***

The lesson Government learned was that they need to be more subservient to China.

Posted by: Moron Robbie - how are the door to door vaccine injectors keeping the chemical at -70 Celsius? at July 16, 2021 12:37 PM (6Y/Rl)

118 I used to work for 3Com -- once one of the top networking companies. When I started, one of the top selling points was the quality of our manufacturing, which was all done stateside, much of it right there in Santa Clara. We were one of the first to develop wireless networks and PCMCIA cards; we bought US Robotics and ruled the modem space; we spun off the PalmPilot; we were featured on Oprah for the Audrey -- an internet connection device. Then the beancounters got ahold of the company and sent us on a path that ditched our reliability and sent our manufacturing capabilities to China.

A mere ten years after I started there, riding a remarkable wave of success and expansion, the only thing left was the relationships with Chinese builders, and the last of 3Com's carcass was purchased by HP.

Twenty years later, and if I saw Bruce Claflin in the street, I'd still pop him on his ass.

Posted by: red speck at July 16, 2021 12:37 PM (gS3OW)

119 Chips? In cars?

Posted by: Cuba at July 16, 2021 12:38 PM (BvZkh)

120 Wallowed, obviously, but over 100 so I'll bring this up here:

Not for secession, America as founded is as nearly perfect as you can get out of a man made organization.

Not secession.

Expulsion.

Posted by: Hawkpilot at July 16, 2021 12:38 PM (1GpiR)

121 Speaking of asshoes....

Mittens has sold his home in La Jolla and his neighbors are celebrating. He was a real asshoe with construction projects. Not surprising.

Posted by: Joe XiDen at July 16, 2021 12:38 PM (SOBYU)

122 IIRC, either Samsung or TSMC, possibly both, are planning full scale fab lines in the US. That's smart on their part, and good for us.

Posted by: pep at July 16, 2021 12:38 PM (ZsR3z)

123 I saw Solar Slaves open for Hawkwind, StoneHenge '74

Posted by: Guy Smiley at July 16, 2021 12:38 PM (Bmy3R)

124 No, it's not. Not really. Not compared to making steel, plastic, aluminum, or a host of other things.
Posted by: Bozo Conservative.....Living on the prison planet at July 16, 2021 12:27 PM

don't get me started about steel...in August 2020, hot rolled steel was going for $451 / ton; this week it's selling for $1,758 / ton

let that rattle around in your head for a minute

hot rolled steel is used to make useless crap nobody needs...like car fenders, washing machines, lawn mower decks, refrigerators, etc. any product you can think of that's made of "sheet metal"

my semi-professional analysis: we are right & properly fcuked

Posted by: AltonJackson at July 16, 2021 12:38 PM (DUIap)

125 Boy, Monty sure would be having a hay day with his doom threads this last year.
Monty where have you gone!

Posted by: Bosk at July 16, 2021 12:38 PM (FgPjD)

126 I'm going to start company that builds aftermarket intakes and carbs with a division that makes points and condenser distributors in America 2.0.
Posted by: lowandslow at July 16, 2021 12:37 PM (qH6FZ)

You were 1 of 9 to see war of worlds remake

Posted by: Rhennigantx at July 16, 2021 12:38 PM (LYheq)

127 We find fish to be of more concern than chips.

Posted by: Liverpooleans at July 16, 2021 12:38 PM (DMUuz)

128 Chips? In cars?
Posted by: Cuba at July 16, 2021 12:38 PM (BvZkh)
........

Doritos are good. Too bad you can't get any.

Posted by: wth at July 16, 2021 12:38 PM (v0R5T)

129 Mittens has sold his home in La Jolla and his neighbors are celebrating. He was a real asshoe with construction projects. Not surprising.
Posted by: Joe XiDen at July 16, 2021 12:38 PM (SOBYU)

That fucking car elevator.

Posted by: Guy Smiley at July 16, 2021 12:38 PM (Bmy3R)

130 >>Chips? In cars?

Wait until they hear about Cup Holders.

Posted by: garrett at July 16, 2021 12:38 PM (6Uwi1)

131 *Snort*

A while back, we had lost power in the engineering section of the building. A few of us were laughing about how this would never stop us back in the day when design was done on a drafting table, using a drafting 'machine', French curves and ducks. And analysis was done by guys who chain smoked and used stubby pencils, slide rules and graph paper notebooks.

Now, I see kids lock up when you throw them some loose change after they've rung up your order and gotten your change at the big M supper club. FFS, we'd better be able to make our own semiconductor chips or we're hosed.

Posted by: CrotchetyOldJarhead at July 16, 2021 12:39 PM (TAyES)

132 don't get me started about steel...in August 2020, hot rolled steel was going for $451 / ton; this week it's selling for $1,758 / ton... any product you can think of that's made of "sheet metal"

**

I'm just glad there's no inflation.

Posted by: Moron Robbie - how are the door to door vaccine injectors keeping the chemical at -70 Celsius? at July 16, 2021 12:39 PM (6Y/Rl)

133 I'm going to start company that builds aftermarket intakes and carbs
with a division that makes points and condenser distributors in America
2.0.

I got dibs on the exhaust header company.

Posted by: BackwardsBoy - Psychos Rule! No, really. They're in charge now. (HaL55) at July 16, 2021 12:39 PM (HaL55)

134 No two countries that play cricket have ever gone to war against one another. Now we've just got to make the US and China gay enough that they take up cricket.

Posted by: Emmett Milbarge at July 16, 2021 12:39 PM (VbI7r)

135 In other news, Pope Francis has rescinded Pope Benedict's rules on the Latin Mass. He says the Latin Mass is too divisive. Like restricting it to only with the Bishop's permission isn't?

Posted by: Iris at July 16, 2021 12:40 PM (DibdT)

136 I'm going to start company that builds aftermarket intakes and carbs
with a division that makes points and condenser distributors in America
2.0.

I got dibs on the exhaust header company.
Posted by: BackwardsBoy - Psychos Rule! No, really. They're in charge now. (HaL55) at July 16, 2021 12:39 PM (HaL55)

Break out your Beach Boys discography and LET'S PARTY!!!!!

Posted by: Sponge - Saying Ashli Babbitt at July 16, 2021 12:40 PM (Zz0t1)

137 *looks at shuttered steel mills in the valley*

Posted by: Mr Aspirin Factory at July 16, 2021 12:40 PM (89T5c)

138 What did socialists use for transportation before the donkey?

Toyotas

Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at July 16, 2021 12:41 PM (rXGKL)

139 Having worked in the semiconductor industry for two decades, I find the "Chip Shortage" meme to be rather doubtful.Semiconductor in autos don't amount to more than a couple of days of worldwide semiconductor production.
Personally, I believe it is all a ruse to try to move more semiconductor production out of Taiwan .. for obvious reasons .. without overtly saying so.

Posted by: Neo at July 16, 2021 12:41 PM (RHGPo)

140 don't get me started about steel...in August 2020, hot rolled steel was going for $451 / ton; this week it's selling for $1,758 / ton ...
Posted by: AltonJackson at July 16, 2021 12:38 PM (DUIap)
++++
Very bad. There's a reason that the PPI (Producer Price Index) is shooting for the moon. It's gonna get nasty in another six months.

Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at July 16, 2021 12:41 PM (3p5uk)

141 A few of us were laughing about how this would never stop us back in the
day when design was done on a drafting table, using a drafting
'machine', French curves and ducks.
Man, I haven't heard of "ducks" in a long time. I used to collect them at my old lab, and ask people what they thought they were for. Looked like little hooked-beak narwhals. I was told by someone that that was the origin of the phrase "get your ducks in a row", but I can't verify if that's so.

Posted by: pep at July 16, 2021 12:41 PM (ZsR3z)

142 In other news, Pope Francis has rescinded Pope Benedict's rules on the Latin Mass. He says the Latin Mass is too divisive. Like restricting it to only with the Bishop's permission isn't?
Posted by: Iris at July 16, 2021 12:40 PM (DibdT)
----------

I, for one, think the Pope's laser like focus on the important issues of the day is extremely comforting.

Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing (2SdPm) at July 16, 2021 12:41 PM (2SdPm)

143 Chinese blockade of Taiwan would have to deal with the US Navy navigation... over under on boats lost to collisions? 12

Posted by: Inogame at July 16, 2021 12:41 PM (53oGX)

144 don't get me started about steel...in August 2020, hot rolled steel was going for $451 / ton; this week it's selling for $1,758 / ton

Dang. Thank goodness there's no inflation, or that would really hurt.

Posted by: t-bird at July 16, 2021 12:41 PM (OFJlJ)

145 Can't FB and Twitter produce chips? Oh yeah, they only produce bullshit, sorry

Posted by: Nevergiveup at July 16, 2021 12:41 PM (GPwVZ)

146 >>> Blood For Microchips?

Nah. Got a better idea: how about sweat and tears for microchips instead?

You know, start up their production here?

Posted by: fluffy at July 16, 2021 12:41 PM (UnQlg)

147 At a certain size, every company's main business becomes dividends.

Posted by: Cat Ass Trophy at July 16, 2021 12:41 PM (gpKIi)

148 Wait till the EPA starts getting short dicked by chip shortages and see how fast the "special exemptions" start flying out for the properly connected.

Posted by: Warai-otoko at July 16, 2021 12:41 PM (VnvJR)

149 Taki g over Taiwan is not going to give the Chinese control of semi conductors. Nobody us going to use chicom semiconductors after that.

Posted by: Y5 at July 16, 2021 12:41 PM (MofO9)

150 @115 lowandslow-My company will be right next door to yours building compasses and printing topo-maps.

Posted by: JROD at July 16, 2021 12:42 PM (0jZnq)

151 Blockading Taiwan to the extent necessary to prevent them from exporting microchips would have to be a super-tight blockade since they're not shipping microchips out via 10 knot freighters. They'd have to actually shoot down planes. They'd have better luck with respect to stopping incoming raw materials, but even then ... it'd take awhile.

Posted by: Match Checksout at July 16, 2021 12:42 PM (dYe5S)

152 So steel is up 400%? Unpossible!! The inflation rate is only 5%. And The Fed says it is temporary. You sound like one of those q people with your conspiracy theories and misinformation.

Posted by: Joe XiDen at July 16, 2021 12:42 PM (SOBYU)

153 Maybe getting cut off from computer chips would be a good thing. Just think what it might be like to not have twitter or facebook or google.

Posted by: Justsayin' at July 16, 2021 12:42 PM (Fs5vw)

154 Very bad. There's a reason that the PPI (Producer Price Index) is shooting for the moon. It's gonna get nasty in another six months.

**

I couldn't decide whether to post:

But no mean tweets!

Or

Norms restored!

Posted by: Moron Robbie - how are the door to door vaccine injectors keeping the chemical at -70 Celsius? at July 16, 2021 12:42 PM (6Y/Rl)

155 135 In other news, Pope Francis has rescinded Pope Benedict's rules on the Latin Mass. He says the Latin Mass is too divisive

---------

How about the Latinx Mass? Is that inclusive enough?

It's fortified with Wokeness!

Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at July 16, 2021 12:42 PM (rXGKL)

156 Wait till the EPA starts getting short dicked by chip shortages and see how fast the "special exemptions" start flying out for the properly connected.
Posted by: Warai-otoko at July 16, 2021 12:41 PM (VnvJR)
------------

Solyndra will be renamed Chiplyndra.

Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing (2SdPm) at July 16, 2021 12:42 PM (2SdPm)

157 Mittens has sold his home in La Jolla and his neighbors are celebrating. He was a real asshoe with construction projects. Not surprising.
Posted by: Joe XiDen at July 16, 2021 12:38 PM (SOBYU)

To be fair his neighbors are liberal assholes,

Posted by: Just a side note at July 16, 2021 12:43 PM (2DOZq)

158 Now, I see kids lock up when you throw them some loose change after
they've rung up your order and gotten your change at the big M supper
club. FFS, we'd better be able to make our own semiconductor chips or
we're hosed.
And therein lies the main problem. Chinese, Korean, and Japanese kids are in a Darwinian math and science competition before they enter 1st grade. Our college students are spending their time being lectured about CRT.

Posted by: pep at July 16, 2021 12:43 PM (ZsR3z)

159 The Conservative Case for "Coffee Table Mandarin."

Posted by: J.J. Sefton at July 16, 2021 12:31 PM (s2VJv)

*in Mandarin*

Coffee tables are a four month wait, unless you buy Amish.

Posted by: Grudge Harbor at July 16, 2021 12:43 PM (uhPTO)

160 "I got dibs on the exhaust header company."

We joke but it wasn't that long ago you didn't need to go very far to find a town with a foundry and even most little burgs had some old machinist that could make a casting using a sand mold.

Posted by: lowandslow at July 16, 2021 12:43 PM (qH6FZ)

161 105 Yup. China fucked up big time building that vulnerabl monstrosity.
Posted by: Justsayin' at July 16, 2021 12:34 PM (Fs5vw)

"We know, boychick."

- - Mossad, Now Fortified with Lasers and Lightning

Posted by: J.J. Sefton at July 16, 2021 12:43 PM (s2VJv)

162 Without commenting on the State of the US Navy preparedness, let's not glorify the Chicom Military. I doubt it's vaunted Tech would hold up so well in a real conflict

Posted by: Nevergiveup at July 16, 2021 12:43 PM (GPwVZ)

163 Trump had a plant in Texas in motion, but I don't know where that stands with the junta in charge.

Trump bad. 'Nuff said.

Posted by: Piss Psaki at July 16, 2021 12:43 PM (DMUuz)

164 Well, it's a damn good thing we got rid of ole mean tweets, now isn't it......

Posted by: Sponge - Saying Ashli Babbitt at July 16, 2021 12:43 PM (Zz0t1)

165 Mittens has sold his home in La Jolla and his neighbors are celebrating. He was a real asshoe with construction projects. Not surprising.
Posted by: Joe XiDen at July 16, 2021 12:38 PM (SOBYU)

To be fair his neighbors are liberal assholes,
Posted by: Just a side note at July 16, 2021 12:43 PM (2DOZq)
-----------

Huh. You'd think MItten's would have fit right in. Amazing.

Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing (2SdPm) at July 16, 2021 12:43 PM (2SdPm)

166 If China throws a blockade around Taiwan, we will throw a blockade around everywhere in the world except Taiwan!

Posted by: Joe Biden at July 16, 2021 12:43 PM (Q0kyv)

167 "We need microchip pipelines! Turn the spigot on!"

"Diversity is our strength" .. Only by getting white Christians out of the tech work place can Diversity (magically) supply us all the chips we need. (Taiwan has diversity policy in place, right? South Korea, their workplace is diverse, right? Japan?)

Posted by: illiniwek at July 16, 2021 12:44 PM (Cus5s)

168 Mittens has sold his home in La Jolla and his neighbors are celebrating. He was a real asshoe with construction projects. Not surprising.
Posted by: Joe XiDen at July 16, 2021 12:38 PM (SOBYU)

He had a house in friggin' La Jolla?

Posted by: Jordan61-(Ez6QX) at July 16, 2021 12:44 PM (Ez6QX)

169 In other news, Pope Francis has rescinded Pope Benedict's rules on the Latin Mass. He says the Latin Mass is too divisive. Like restricting it to only with the Bishop's permission isn't?
Posted by: Iris at July 16, 2021 12:40 PM (DibdT)
++++
I'm not a Catholic so I don't know, but I would think it to be the opposite of divisive. I'm a Jew, and our services are done in Hebrew. I don't know much Hebrew, and so I read along in English along with the Hebrew during services.

When I have been abroad, however, and gone to synagogue, I was grateful for the Hebrew service. I knew the service, I knew the songs, I knew the prayers, I knew the order of events. It made my participation in services in foreign lands that don't speak English possible. I imagine that it is the same for Catholics. It strikes me that the Latin Mass, being done in Latin and in the same way, makes church accessible to all who are experienced with it, regardless of local conditions. That is the opposite of divisive, it in fact embraces the various peoples the world over who attend Mass.

Or am I way off base on all this, being non-Catholic?

Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at July 16, 2021 12:44 PM (3p5uk)

170 >>> back in the day when design was done on a drafting table, using a drafting 'machine', French curves and ducks.

I took drafting in high school and I'm not sure I owned a French curve. Did have plastic triangles, though.

Posted by: fluffy at July 16, 2021 12:44 PM (UnQlg)

171 In other news, Pope Francis has rescinded Pope Benedict's rules on the Latin Mass. He says the Latin Mass is too divisive. Like restricting it to only with the Bishop's permission isn't?
Posted by: Iris at July 16, 2021 12:40 PM (DibdT)
----------

I hate that cocksucking Marxist heresiarch more each day. That basically kills the Tridentine Rite in MA.

Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing at July 16, 2021 12:44 PM (2JVJo)

172 Posted by: pep at July 16, 2021 12:41 PM (ZsR3z)

Heh! I used to keep a set in my office along with a couple of slide rules just to see what people would say.

Posted by: CrotchetyOldJarhead at July 16, 2021 12:44 PM (TAyES)

173 And therein lies the main problem. Chinese, Korean, and Japanese kids are in a Darwinian math and science competition before they enter 1st grade. Our college students are spending their time being lectured about CRT.
Posted by: pep at July 16, 2021 12:43 PM (ZsR3z)
-----------

Does that come before or after they're all told how wonderful they are?

Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing (2SdPm) at July 16, 2021 12:44 PM (2SdPm)

174 Not secession.

Expulsion.
Posted by: Hawkpilot at July 16, 2021 12:38 PM (1GpiR)

Word. The number of people you would need to kick out is surprisingly low, too. Excepting the illegal aliens, but they won't stay if there's no profit in it.

Posted by: trev006 at July 16, 2021 12:44 PM (Eqkqm)

175 Taki g over Taiwan is not going to give the Chinese control of semi
conductors. Nobody us going to use chicom semiconductors after that.

Right? I mean, after Tienanmen Square and Hong Kong, I'll be they've learned their lesson. Shut them down but good, we did.

Posted by: pep at July 16, 2021 12:45 PM (ZsR3z)

176 >> Without commenting on the State of the US Navy preparedness, let's not glorify the Chicom Military. I doubt it's vaunted Tech would hold up so well in a real conflict

Word on the street is their Dentists are top notch.

Posted by: garrett at July 16, 2021 12:45 PM (6Uwi1)

177 Mr Throckmorton.....very good . I lived in Taiwan so .......i know.

Posted by: Humphreyrobot at July 16, 2021 12:45 PM (GSBVq)

178
Or am I way off base on all this, being non-Catholic?
Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at July 16, 2021 12:44 PM (3p5uk)

Naw. This Pope is asshoe.

Posted by: Sponge - Saying Ashli Babbitt at July 16, 2021 12:45 PM (Zz0t1)

179 I doubt it's vaunted Tech would hold up so well in a real conflict

***

They made most of the components of ours too though, didn't they?

Posted by: Moron Robbie - how are the door to door vaccine injectors keeping the chemical at -70 Celsius? at July 16, 2021 12:46 PM (6Y/Rl)

180 Right? I mean, after Tienanmen Square and Hong Kong, I'll be they've learned their lesson. Shut them down but good, we did.
Posted by: pep a

You need to start reading for context.

What you think you read and what I wrote are not the same.

Posted by: Y5 at July 16, 2021 12:46 PM (MofO9)

181 Coffee tables are a four month wait, unless you buy Amish.
Posted by: Grudge Harbor at July 16, 2021 12:43 PM

This is why I'm trolling the antique shops for my coffee table. That, and I hate modern crap.

Posted by: RedMindBlueState at July 16, 2021 12:46 PM (m+jkK)

182 We joke but it wasn't that long ago you didn't need to go very far to
find a town with a foundry and even most little burgs had some old
machinist that could make a casting using a sand mold.

Yup. We had a John Deere outpost in Huntspatch with its own foundry. Hotter than all hell in the summertime, don't know how those guys did it.

Posted by: BackwardsBoy - Psychos Rule! No, really. They're in charge now. (HaL55) at July 16, 2021 12:46 PM (HaL55)

183 I always liked the Latin Masses when I was a kid, even if I understood little of it. They used to do "Midnight High Mass" on Christmas Eve in Latin. All my extended family went, mom, siblings, aunts, cousins...It was a sign that you were almost-grown when you were old enough to leave the big X-Mas Eve party, go to high mass and not fall asleep.

Posted by: Guy Smiley at July 16, 2021 12:47 PM (Bmy3R)

184 Rational people will ration everything just for you.

Feel better now or die.

Posted by: Humphreyrobot at July 16, 2021 12:47 PM (GSBVq)

185 The Tridentine Mass is recommended by four out of five prelates whose parishioners choose mass.

Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at July 16, 2021 12:47 PM (rXGKL)

186 I hate that cocksucking Marxist heresiarch more each day. That basically kills the Tridentine Rite in MA.
Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing at July 16, 2021 12:44 PM (2JVJo)

I was hoping you'd be here to comment on that. What a dick move. Plus, I thought he was in the hospital?

Posted by: Jordan61-(Ez6QX) at July 16, 2021 12:48 PM (Ez6QX)

187 You need to start reading for context.

What you think you read and what I wrote are not the same.

It's always possible. What did you mean, if not that a Chinese invasion would result in the West coming together and refusing exports from China?

Posted by: pep at July 16, 2021 12:48 PM (ZsR3z)

188 I am all for giving the lefties CA, Western OR, and seattle. They can visit Aspen on odd numbered years.

They can also have Eastern Ny to Boston.

Posted by: Cat Ass Trophy at July 16, 2021 12:48 PM (gpKIi)

189
Drove by a couple of car dealerships today. Amazed at how little inventory there was in the lot.

Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at July 16, 2021 12:48 PM (mht8P)

190 *looks at shuttered steel mills in the valley*
Posted by: Mr Aspirin Factory at July 16, 2021 12:40 PM

indeed. a lot of the existing steelmaking capacity got shut down due to the virus theater nonsense; but by the end of the third quarter everyone was talking about starting the furnaces back up

then: the election. we now have an "administration" that is openly hostile to fossil fuels in general and coal in specific; no one wants to take on the additional regulatory burden of starting back up

the steel industry is screwed, because how do you make steel? you burn enough coal to make a fire hot enough to melt rocks

Posted by: AltonJackson at July 16, 2021 12:48 PM (DUIap)

191 >>> When I have been abroad, however, and gone to synagogue, I was grateful for the Hebrew service. I knew the service, I knew the songs, I knew the prayers, I knew the order of events. It made my participation in services in foreign lands that don't speak English possible. I imagine that it is the same for Catholics. It strikes me that the Latin Mass, being done in Latin and in the same way, makes church accessible to all who are experienced with it, regardless of local conditions. That is the opposite of divisive, it in fact embraces the various peoples the world over who attend Mass.

I had a Jewish girlfriend that made the same observation.

Posted by: fluffy at July 16, 2021 12:49 PM (UnQlg)

192 Or am I way off base on all this, being non-Catholic?

No, you're not. That's part of what made the universal one, holy, Catholic apostolic church. But then again, pace Ann Barnhardt, Frankie Fabulous isn't Catholic anyway.

Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing at July 16, 2021 12:49 PM (2JVJo)

193 Don't worry about chip shortages. Well just conserve our way to more chips!

I mean, that look at what conservation has done for the CA water and electricity supply!

Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing (2SdPm) at July 16, 2021 12:49 PM (2SdPm)

194 Or am I way off base on all this, being non-Catholic?
Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at July 16, 2021 12:44 PM (3p5uk)

I'm Catholic. You're good.

And, I've always wanted to just once attend a synagogue service in Hebrew!

Posted by: Guy Smiley at July 16, 2021 12:49 PM (Bmy3R)

195 we decided to educate the chinese at our "best" universities giving them access to research projects.

This is why begging for alumni contributions falls on deaf ears. We know what they are, only the price is negotiable.

Posted by: Captain Hate Won't Forget Ashli Babbitt at July 16, 2021 12:49 PM (y7DUB)

196 10 So, would China risk the damage it would cause its own economy by blockading Taiwan?
---------

Would they risk damage to their own people by releasing a virus?
Posted by: ... at July 16, 2021 12:16 PM (c3Hg2)

------

Mao bragged that he had no problem with losing 10s of millions of his own people in a nuclear exchange.

Posted by: ShainS at July 16, 2021 12:49 PM (8/6aZ)

197
the steel industry is screwed, because how do you make steel? you burn enough coal to make a fire hot enough to melt rocks
Posted by: AltonJackson at July 16, 2021 12:48 PM (DUIap)

In unrelated news, coal prices also way up.

Posted by: Red Turban Someguy (z5Vrg) - The Republic is Already Dead at July 16, 2021 12:49 PM (z5Vrg)

198 I imagine that it is the same for Catholics. It strikes me that the Latin Mass, being done in Latin and in the same way, makes church accessible to all who are experienced with it, regardless of local conditions. That is the opposite of divisive, it in fact embraces the various peoples the world over who attend Mass.

Or am I way off base on all this, being non-Catholic?
Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at July 16, 2021 12:44 PM (3p5uk)

Not at all. Part of the reason why the Latin Mass appeals to a number of people is because of that unity. It unites us not just with others around the globe, but with our ancestors. It reflects the fact that the Church is eternal. It's also a way to distinguish ourselves from the world around us, to help create a shared identity and make us part of something greater.

Posted by: Colorado Alex in Exile at July 16, 2021 12:49 PM (jOcSX)

199 We just bought my wife a new truck. The dealer had two on the lot.

Posted by: rickb223 at July 16, 2021 12:50 PM (OCTRt)

200 Pork Rinds are a good substitute for Chips.

Learned that here.

Posted by: garrett at July 16, 2021 12:50 PM (6Uwi1)

201 Hundreds have died due to mass global warming in Germany because trump took us out of the Paris accords.

Posted by: Cat Ass Trophy at July 16, 2021 12:50 PM (gpKIi)

202 Or am I way off base on all this, being non-Catholic?
Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at July 16, 2021 12:44 PM (3p5uk)

The though process is correct, however... I'd bet only about 10% of catholics these days have any type of latin exposure. I took latin as a language class in my Catholic school, but when I did it was an elective most students took spanish/french. Might be different in other countries... but latin being a dead language isn't just a cliche in the US.

Posted by: Inogame at July 16, 2021 12:50 PM (53oGX)

203 We just bought my wife a new truck. The dealer had two on the lot.
Posted by:

Wives?

Posted by: Y5 at July 16, 2021 12:50 PM (MofO9)

204 Sigh...

Siri, Mrs D says I don't pay attention to her any more.

Hi! I am Alexa.

Posted by: Diogenes at July 16, 2021 12:50 PM (axyOa)

205 Or am I way off base on all this, being non-Catholic?
Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at July 16, 2021 12:44 PM

Not sure what the Catholic position is, but the Orthodox have always celebrated the liturgy in the local language. Of course, then every country's immigrants brought the faith to America and haven't been able to let go of the language from the old country. It's why we keep saying "English, damn it! English!" Smh...

Posted by: RedMindBlueState at July 16, 2021 12:51 PM (m+jkK)

206 don't get me started about steel...in August 2020,
hot rolled steel was going for $451 / ton; this week it's selling for
$1,758 / ton

let that rattle around in your head for a minute

hot rolled steel is used to make useless crap nobody needs...like
car fenders, washing machines, lawn mower decks, refrigerators, etc.
any product you can think of that's made of "sheet metal"

my semi-professional analysis: we are right properly fcuked

Posted by: AltonJackson at July 16, 2021 12:38 PM (DUIap)
That's ridiculous. Any reason why? Mills understaffed? I use to haul a lot of that stuff all over the south and midwest.

Posted by: Javems at July 16, 2021 12:51 PM (8SSHh)

207 Tractors need microchips. It makes the engine run 0.5% more efficient and only adds a modest $10,000 to the pricetag.

Posted by: Cat Ass Trophy at July 16, 2021 12:51 PM (gpKIi)

208 203 We just bought my wife a new truck. The dealer had two on the lot.
Posted by:

Wives?
Posted by: Y5 at July 16, 2021 12:50 PM (MofO9)

I'm telling you American-made is overprice and overweight.

Posted by: Red Turban Someguy (z5Vrg) - The Republic is Already Dead at July 16, 2021 12:51 PM (z5Vrg)

209 The way to solve this is to put transistors on steroids.

Posted by: Puddin Head at July 16, 2021 12:51 PM (/MaDp)

210 189
Drove by a couple of car dealerships today. Amazed at how little inventory there was in the lot.
Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at July 16, 2021 12:48 PM (mht8P)

---------

The weird thing is, according to Kelly Blue Book my one year-old car is worth $4k more than I paid for it.

Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at July 16, 2021 12:51 PM (rXGKL)

211 The clowns I used to work for could not wait to sell out every element of production to communist China.
The ones that actually reproduced sold out their children's future.

Posted by: klaftern at July 16, 2021 12:51 PM (r4sI4)

212 As someone often says here, "China is Asshoe". Quoting Team America, we need to be dicks about it. Unfortunately we have a potatoe-brained pussy in the WH.

Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at July 16, 2021 12:51 PM (ynpvh)

213 Word on the street is their Dentists are top notch.
Posted by: garrett at July 16, 2021 12:45 PM (6Uwi1)

Well they have to be to deal with them small teeth

Posted by: Nevergiveup at July 16, 2021 12:52 PM (GPwVZ)

214 Or am I way off base on all this, being non-Catholic?
Think of it this way, if Benedict did it, it was based on biblical teaching, Francis not necessarily.

Posted by: Guy Mohawk at July 16, 2021 12:52 PM (r+sAi)

215 The weird thing is, according to Kelly Blue Book my one year-old car is worth $4k more than I paid for it.
Posted by: Cicero

Inflating

Posted by: Y5 at July 16, 2021 12:52 PM (MofO9)

216 210 189

Drove by a couple of car dealerships today. Amazed at how little inventory there was in the lot.

Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at July 16, 2021 12:48 PM (mht8P)

---------

The weird thing is, according to Kelly Blue Book my one year-old car is worth $4k more than I paid for it.

Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at July 16, 2021 12:51 PM (rXGKL)

Inflation out-stripping depreciation, or limited supply?

Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at July 16, 2021 12:52 PM (ynpvh)

217 Anyone know of a good way to kill off small mom and pop used car lots?

Posted by: Moron Robbie - not even 3000 US COVID deaths in the last 14 days at July 16, 2021 12:53 PM (/BX3R)

218 That's ridiculous. Any reason why?

Take your pick, any/ all.

1. Trump
2. Racism
3. Climate change
4. Covid
5. Trump
6. Some other thing the left can blame on Trump

Posted by: Cat Ass Trophy at July 16, 2021 12:53 PM (gpKIi)

219 The weird thing is, according to Kelly Blue Book my one year-old car is worth $4k more than I paid for it.
Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at July 16, 2021 12:51 PM (rXGKL)

Mine is worth $5k less than I paid. After four years and 50K miles.

Posted by: Jordan61-(Ez6QX) at July 16, 2021 12:53 PM (Ez6QX)

220
Not sure what the Catholic position is, but the Orthodox have always celebrated the liturgy in the local language. Of course, then every country's immigrants brought the faith to America and haven't been able to let go of the language from the old country. It's why we keep saying "English, damn it! English!" Smh...
Posted by: RedMindBlueState at July 16, 2021 12:51 PM (m+jkK)

Latin used to be a vernacular. Things have been a mix of various degrees though it's been trending heavily towards vernacular in recent years.

Posted by: Red Turban Someguy (z5Vrg) - The Republic is Already Dead at July 16, 2021 12:53 PM (z5Vrg)

221 China's Semiconductor Manufacturing International (SMIC) is doing 24nm technology, while Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) is doing 7nm.If Intel's problems with 14nm are any lesson, China is probably 10+ years behind. Additionally, one of China's big semiconductor upstarts has fallen into bankruptcy.

Posted by: SMOD at July 16, 2021 12:53 PM (RHGPo)

222 Word on the street is their Dentists are top notch.
Posted by: garrett at July 16, 2021 12:45 PM (6Uwi1)

Well they have to be to deal with them small teeth
Posted by: Nevergiveup at July 16, 2021 12:52 PM (GPwVZ)

----------

Imagine the challenges faced by a Chinese urologist.

Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at July 16, 2021 12:53 PM (rXGKL)

223 213 Word on the street is their Dentists are top notch.

Posted by: garrett at July 16, 2021 12:45 PM (6Uwi1)

Well they have to be to deal with them small teeth

Posted by: Nevergiveup at July 16, 2021 12:52 PM (GPwVZ)

They get to "practice" on Uighers and other political prisoners

Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at July 16, 2021 12:53 PM (ynpvh)

224 Chevrolet finally accepted the order for my new car 3 months after I placed it.

Supposedly 8 weeks to build and ship it, provided no further disruptions.

Posted by: Dave in Fla (5p7BC) at July 16, 2021 12:53 PM (5p7BC)

225 "The lesson Government learned was that they need to be more subservient to China."

and less tolerant of any disobedience from the US citizenry.

Posted by: illiniwek at July 16, 2021 12:53 PM (Cus5s)

226 Joe, Having the format of the mass the same one can follow along even if the mass is in a language that one does not understand. But if you actually spoke understood the Latin there might be more connection.
But Pope Francis is just doing this because he knows traditionalists don't think about holiness the way he does.

Posted by: Iris at July 16, 2021 12:54 PM (DibdT)

227 I'm telling you American-made is overprice and overweight.
Posted by: Red Turban Someguy (z5Vrg) - The Republic is Already Dead at July 16, 2021 12:51 PM (z5Vrg)

Subject to constant break-downs. Go with a Japanese import, instead.

Posted by: Colorado Alex in Exile at July 16, 2021 12:54 PM (jOcSX)

228 MR Rickh223. Drive hard fast.. You are an American.

Posted by: Humphreyrobot at July 16, 2021 12:54 PM (GSBVq)

229 I'm going to start company that builds aftermarket intakes and carbs with a division that makes points and condenser distributors in America 2.0.
Posted by: lowandslow at July 16, 2021 12:37 PM (qH6FZ)

Maybe build manual transmissions on the side

Posted by: kbdabear at July 16, 2021 12:54 PM (qAR6u)

230 Drove by a couple of car dealerships today. Amazed at how little inventory there was in the lot.
Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh

Yes. New AND used car dealerships are very low on inventory.
Maybe people are buying cars a lot now because interest rates are so low.
Maybe not.

Posted by: Bozo Conservative.....Living on the prison planet at July 16, 2021 12:54 PM (vcOmj)

231 They get to "practice" on Uighers and other political prisoners
Posted by: jim

Dentistry is easier when the head is not attached to the body

Posted by: Y5 at July 16, 2021 12:54 PM (MofO9)

232 221 China's Semiconductor Manufacturing International (SMIC) is doing 24nm
technology, while Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) is
doing 7nm.If Intel's problems with 14nm are any lesson, China is
probably 10+ years behind. Additionally, one of China's big
semiconductor upstarts has fallen into bankruptcy.

Posted by: SMOD at July 16, 2021 12:53 PM (RHGPo)

Spying can decrease the learning curve

Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at July 16, 2021 12:55 PM (ynpvh)

233 Maybe getting cut off from computer chips would be a good thing. Just think what it might be like to not have twitter or facebook or google.

Posted by: Justsayin' at July 16, 2021 12:42 PM (Fs5vw)

Ace would have to get a job, or a mimeograph machine. Newsletter, anyone?

Posted by: GnuBreed at July 16, 2021 12:55 PM (F0YaR)

234 Maybe its time we re-think putting microprocessors in a f'n toaster.

Posted by: Haywood at July 16, 2021 12:56 PM (a9DMy)

235 And, I've always wanted to just once attend a synagogue service in Hebrew!

Posted by: Guy Smiley at July 16, 2021 12:49 PM (Bmy3R)

Any orthodox shul will be entirely in Hebrew!

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at July 16, 2021 12:56 PM (Q9lwr)

236 Joe Biden loves Latin mass. He tries to attend mass in all of the ethnic neighborhoods, even if he can't speak spanish.

Posted by: Cat Ass Trophy at July 16, 2021 12:56 PM (gpKIi)

237 Without commenting on the State of the US Navy preparedness, let's not glorify the Chicom Military. I doubt it's vaunted Tech would hold up so well in a real conflict

Word on the street is their Dentists are top notch.
Posted by: garrett a

They are the crown jewel of USN.

Posted by: runner at July 16, 2021 12:56 PM (Q2cEs)

238 Semiconductors are high-tolerance manufacturing. America can't even do mass high-tolerance PLASTICS. Like the typical fit and finish evident in everything from phones, Xbox controllers and microwave ovens.

America can only do, on a massive scale, blow molded Rubbermaid things in LDPE and things like those little plastic towers you throw cigarette butts in. We don't even have the capability to mass produce something with the fine tolerance of a Roku remote. We are stone-age even in plastics manufacturing.

Let alone a 5 nm chip. I blame unions. Not because I know shit about any of this, but because I like to blame unions, and I'm probably right. "Re-tool for the next decade's technology?? But then we'd have to retrain! Our workers do 80s machines. You can't expect workers who do 80s machines to do 2020s machines! Harrumph!"

Posted by: Taqiyyologist, Rickrolled by Jesus at July 16, 2021 12:56 PM (OssQ4)

239 Yes. New AND used car dealerships are very low on inventory.
Maybe people are buying cars a lot now because interest rates are so low.
Maybe not.
Posted by: Bozo Conservative.....Living on the prison planet at July 16, 2021 12:54 PM (vcOmj)

I had originally thought the chip deal was a scam to cover for the intense drop in demand after people didn't commute for a year. With less driving and in some industries not knowing how long you'd have a job.

Posted by: Inogame at July 16, 2021 12:56 PM (53oGX)

240 The weird thing is, according to Kelly Blue Book my one year-old car is worth $4k more than I paid for it.
Posted by: Cicero

Mine is worth $5k less than I paid. After four years and 50K miles.
Posted by: Jordan61

Ha! My Ranger is worth $4.5k after 14 years and 188k miles.

Posted by: rickb223 at July 16, 2021 12:57 PM (OCTRt)

241 Mar 25, 2021 -- Wuhan Hongxin Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. was supposed to be one of China's most advanced chipmakers. Now it's bankrupt

July 9, 2021 -- Tsinghua Unigroup Co., a key player in China's push for self-reliance in semiconductors, said Friday that one of its creditors has asked a court to begin bankruptcy proceedings for the group.

Posted by: SMOD at July 16, 2021 12:57 PM (RHGPo)

242 233 Maybe getting cut off from computer chips would be a good thing. Just
think what it might be like to not have twitter or facebook or google.

Posted by: Justsayin' at July 16, 2021 12:42 PM (Fs5vw)

Ace would have to get a job, or a mimeograph machine. Newsletter, anyone?

Posted by: GnuBreed at July 16, 2021 12:55 PM (F0YaR)

Our First Amendment Rights only cover Printing Presses--Democrats

Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at July 16, 2021 12:57 PM (ynpvh)

243 Maybe its time we re-think putting microprocessors in a f'n toaster.
Posted by: Haywood at July 16, 2021 12:56 PM (a9DMy)
------------

Yeah, ever since the toaster got a microchip, he thinks he's all that.

Stupid uppity toaster.

Posted by: Refrigerator at July 16, 2021 12:57 PM (2SdPm)

244 Mimeograph capability coming with Minx 0.8 Alpha.

Posted by: Cat Ass Trophy at July 16, 2021 12:57 PM (gpKIi)

245 Saw an article the other day that there are 16 models of car that have used prices higher than new. Mainly because you had to wait for new car.

Posted by: Guy Mohawk at July 16, 2021 12:57 PM (r+sAi)

246 Chinese cutting too many corners throats.

Posted by: Humphreyrobot at July 16, 2021 12:57 PM (GSBVq)

247 >>Ha! My Ranger is worth $4.5k after 14 years and 188k miles.

I had a 2000 3/4 Ton with 300k on it and got $5250 for it in 12 hours.

Craziness.

Posted by: garrett at July 16, 2021 12:57 PM (6Uwi1)

248 Inflation out-stripping depreciation, or limited supply?
Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at July 16, 2021 12:52 PM (ynpvh)

----------

Rock-bottom purchase price ($4k below invoice) at the height of the COVID sales plunge, combined with the huge run-up in used car prices as the result of pent-up demand and the semiconductor shortage. I'll bet inflation is working its magic too.

Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at July 16, 2021 12:58 PM (rXGKL)

249 Ha! My Ranger is worth $4.5k after 14 years and 188k miles.

***

Jeez, I'd hate to consider just giving away a truck that still has 100K left on it.

Posted by: Moron Robbie - not even 3000 US COVID deaths in the last 14 days at July 16, 2021 12:58 PM (/BX3R)

250 "Anyone know of a good way to kill off small mom and pop used car lots?"

Cash for clunkers 2.0 . Govco will give you 4 times bluebook value of any car at least two years old if you purchase a new e-car or BMW type vehicle. Then crush the old cars to simulate the economy.

Posted by: lowandslow at July 16, 2021 12:58 PM (qH6FZ)

251 Maybe its time we re-think putting microprocessors in a f'n toaster.

But then there would be no cancel button for the times you start to make toast, but decide you don't want toast.

Posted by: Cat Ass Trophy at July 16, 2021 12:58 PM (gpKIi)

252
Mine is worth $5k less than I paid. After four years and 50K miles.
Posted by: Jordan61-(Ez6QX) at July 16, 2021 12:53 PM (Ez6QX)

My F250 Diesel is worth exactly what I paid for it 3 years ago with 20k more miles on it.

Posted by: Sponge - Saying Ashli Babbitt at July 16, 2021 12:58 PM (Zz0t1)

253 Love the media says the worst floods in 200 years are due to global warming. Uhm so 200 years ago the same floods were also due to global warming?

Posted by: Joe XiDen at July 16, 2021 12:59 PM (SOBYU)

254 Latin used to be a vernacular. Things have been a mix of various degrees though it's been trending heavily towards vernacular in recent years.
Posted by: Red Turban Someguy (z5Vrg) - The Republic is Already Dead at July 16, 2021 12:53 PM

True. The same is true for Greek in the East. And why my bloody-minded co-ethnic types just can't let go and preach mostly in English.

Posted by: RedMindBlueState at July 16, 2021 12:59 PM (m+jkK)

255 Inflation out-stripping depreciation, or limited supply?

Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at July 16, 2021 12:52 PM

little of both, but mostly limited supply

due to the virus theater shut-downs, the chip shortage, and the cost of steel, the domestic auto industry is going to build 5 to 6 million fewer vehicles this year...that about a third reduction in production (the US auto industry usually builds between 14 & 17 million units per year)

Posted by: AltonJackson at July 16, 2021 12:59 PM (DUIap)

256 >>Maybe its time we re-think putting microprocessors in a f'n toaster

The best fucking Toasters are the ones with a Bagel Setting.

Posted by: Toaster Fucking Pro Tip at July 16, 2021 12:59 PM (6Uwi1)

257 Anyone know of a good way to kill off small mom and pop used car lots?"

Do it the obama way. "GM, close 1/3 of your dealerships"

Posted by: Cat Ass Trophy at July 16, 2021 12:59 PM (gpKIi)

258 238 Semiconductors are high-tolerance manufacturing. America can't even do mass high-tolerance PLASTICS. Like the typical fit and finish evident in everything from phones, Xbox controllers and microwave ovens....
Posted by: Taqiyyologist, Rickrolled by Jesus at July 16, 2021 12:56 PM (OssQ4)

It's not quite as bad as you put it. I work in industry and we use a number of even local companies to do lots of plastic and molding work, some with very high tolerances. Granted prototypes are mostly done with machined parts.

Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at July 16, 2021 01:00 PM (ynpvh)

259 But then there would be no cancel button for the times you start to make toast, but decide you don't want toast.
Posted by: Cat Ass Trophy at July 16, 2021 12:58 PM (gpKIi)
--------

Yes, and, of course, the toaster will make sure you want to cancel making toast.

Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing (2SdPm) at July 16, 2021 01:00 PM (2SdPm)

260 When you really think about it, the CCP has played this wonderfully. Except for Real President Trump (one of the biggest reasons he had to be taken out BAMN) there were no speed bumps in their quest for world dominance. The democrats were 110% for it and the republicans were meremy 85% for CCP dominance.

Posted by: Jukin the Deplorable and Totally Unserious at July 16, 2021 01:00 PM (w5raC)

261 Anyone know of a good way to kill off small mom and pop used car lots

Start with mom and pop?

Posted by: Y5 at July 16, 2021 01:00 PM (MofO9)

262 "Maybe its time we re-think putting microprocessors in a f'n toaster"

Now they talk and want to cuddle afterwards.

Posted by: toaster fucker at July 16, 2021 01:00 PM (Tnijr)

263 I got an offer from Carnax for my gently used 2020 truck at $1k less than msrp. Which means I can sell it for $8k over msrp privately.

Posted by: Joe XiDen at July 16, 2021 01:00 PM (SOBYU)

264 TSMC is investing $12 billion in a 5nm fab plant in Arizona. Chip production is expected to start in 2024.

Posted by: mrp at July 16, 2021 01:00 PM (Pqytn)

265 Even in the 80s our factories were stone-age. Which was why Japanese were making quality and we were making the fucking K-Car, and other garbage rust-buckets.

This is the same exact story. Again.

Posted by: Taqiyyologist, Rickrolled by Jesus at July 16, 2021 01:00 PM (OssQ4)

266 But then there would be no cancel button for the times you start to make toast, but decide you don't want toast.
Posted by: Cat Ass Trophy at July 16, 2021 12:58 PM

The inability to cancel toasting after starting means you're toast.

Posted by: Duncanthrax at July 16, 2021 01:01 PM (DMUuz)

267 Nuts! I missed the post about signs.

I favor a metal rendition of a Dr. Suess "Sneech" with the caption,

"In this house, we have stars upon ours."

Posted by: Synova at July 16, 2021 01:01 PM (BD/yx)

268

Ha! My Ranger is worth $4.5k after 14 years and 188k miles.
Posted by: rickb223 at July 16, 2021 12:57 PM (OCTRt)

My Ranger is worth $1k on trade in.

Posted by: Sponge - Saying Ashli Babbitt at July 16, 2021 01:01 PM (Zz0t1)

269 A quick search finds no unfunded liabilities, social security or medic* comments in previous post.

Because why talk serious on a Friday?

Posted by: DaveA at July 16, 2021 01:01 PM (FhXTo)

270 Mom and pop car lots are nothing but junk bought at auctions. If you want a good car that is the last place you want to look.

I almost always buy used privately. Meet the owner, see maintenance history, etc.

Posted by: Joe XiDen at July 16, 2021 01:02 PM (SOBYU)

271 251 Maybe its time we re-think putting microprocessors in a f'n toaster.

But then there would be no cancel button for the times you start to make toast, but decide you don't want toast.

Posted by: Cat Ass Trophy at July 16, 2021 12:58 PM (gpKIi)

And the blue screen of death really sucks.

Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at July 16, 2021 01:02 PM (ynpvh)

272 Do it the obama way. "GM, close 1/3 of your dealerships"
Posted by: Cat Ass Trophy at July 16, 2021 12:59 PM

The Obama way is the best way.

Ask me how I know.

Posted by: B. Hussein Obama, Esq. at July 16, 2021 01:02 PM (DMUuz)

273 This is sort of humorous ..
Brazil's Bolsonaro Hospitalized After 10 Straight Days of Hiccups

Posted by: SMOD at July 16, 2021 01:02 PM (RHGPo)

274 Chip shortage? I ways use one of those chip clips so mine las longer

Posted by: AOC at July 16, 2021 01:03 PM (/6GbT)

275 This flood is as bad as 1873! Damn global warming!

We haven't had a drought this bad since 1932! Climate change!

Posted by: Cat Ass Trophy at July 16, 2021 01:03 PM (gpKIi)

276
And the blue screen of death really sucks.
Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at July 16, 2021 01:02 PM (ynpvh)

Microsoft fixed that. It's not blue anymore.

Posted by: Sponge - Saying Ashli Babbitt at July 16, 2021 01:03 PM (Zz0t1)

277 My Ranger is worth $1k on trade in.
Posted by: Sponge - Saying Ashli Babbitt at July 16, 2021 01:01 PM (Zz0t1)

---------

Some buyers won't consider a vehicle with bull balls hanging from the trailer hitch.

Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at July 16, 2021 01:03 PM (rXGKL)

278 Posted by: MIRROR UNIVERSE RONA MCDANIEL at July 16, 2021 01:03 PM (Pzzpr)

You DICK!!!!

Posted by: Jeff Spicoli at July 16, 2021 01:03 PM (Zz0t1)

279 Saw an article the other day that there are 16 models of car that have used prices higher than new. Mainly because you had to wait for new car.
Posted by: Guy Mohawk

As I recall, lightly used Harley's were (or maybe still are) more expensive than new ones, because the factory set the price on new bikes, but the dealerships could charge whatever they wanted for used bikes. And the Harley factory controlled the supply to keep demand up.

As Alton Jackson said about about auto manufacturing, the same dynamic (albeit, not planned) is going on.

Posted by: Bozo Conservative.....Living on the prison planet at July 16, 2021 01:04 PM (vcOmj)

280 273 This is sort of humorous ..
Brazil's Bolsonaro Hospitalized After 10 Straight Days of Hiccups
--------------
My grandfather went through that. It doesn't end well.

Posted by: Puddin Head at July 16, 2021 01:04 PM (/MaDp)

281 ---------

Some buyers won't consider a vehicle with bull balls hanging from the trailer hitch.
Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at July 16, 2021 01:03 PM (rXGKL)

It doesn't have a hitch, but does have a hole in the bumper where the balls would hang from.

Posted by: Sponge - Saying Ashli Babbitt at July 16, 2021 01:04 PM (Zz0t1)

282 HAL, I'd like to make one slice of toast.

Sure thing, Dave. Please insert your card in the reader, observing proper orientation this time.

Posted by: klaftern at July 16, 2021 01:04 PM (r4sI4)

283 >>> "Re-tool for the next decade's technology?? But then we'd have to retrain! Our workers do 80s machines. You can't expect workers who do 80s machines to do 2020s machines! Harrumph!"

The true minimum wage is zero. Even the Teamsters played ball when Hostess went bankrupt.

Posted by: fluffy at July 16, 2021 01:04 PM (UnQlg)

284 273 This is sort of humorous ..
Brazil's Bolsonaro Hospitalized After 10 Straight Days of Hiccups
Posted by: SMOD at July 16, 2021 01:02 PM (RHGPo)

---------

10 days? Pffft.

*hic*

Posted by: Hillary! 2016, Who Will Never Be President of the United States at July 16, 2021 01:04 PM (rXGKL)

285 Obama should have closed 3/3 GM dealerships.

By the way you think truck used prices are insane? Try RVs. I have. A travel trailer I paid $20k for new in 2017. I see comparable ones for sale now at $25-27k. Local dealers around here usually have vast parking lots full of inventory. Now 1/2 the lots are empty.

Posted by: Joe XiDen at July 16, 2021 01:05 PM (SOBYU)

286
Some buyers won't consider a vehicle with bull balls hanging from the trailer hitch.
Posted by: Cicero

I think his were attached to the shifter

Posted by: Y5 at July 16, 2021 01:05 PM (MofO9)

287 Saw an article the other day that there are 16 models of car that have used prices higher than new. Mainly because you had to wait for new car.
Posted by: Guy Mohawk

So you're telling me there's a chance!!!??

Posted by: That Used Yugo Over There at July 16, 2021 01:05 PM (Zz0t1)

288 It's not quite as bad as you put it. I work in industry and we use a number of even local companies to do lots of plastic and molding work, some with very high tolerances. Granted prototypes are mostly done with machined parts.
Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia)

I knew there was someone here in the plastics industry. Like I said, I don't really know shit, admittedly. I know there are small companies in America who can produce extremely high tolerance products. But on a massive scale?

Posted by: Taqiyyologist, Rickrolled by Jesus at July 16, 2021 01:05 PM (OssQ4)

289 Holy smokes. My car - a 2017 in very good shape - is, according to Kelley, worth anywhere form minus $1,500 to the same price I paid for it when I bought it new.

That's nuts.

Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at July 16, 2021 01:05 PM (3p5uk)

290 Ace would have to get a job, or a mimeograph machine.

And sponge would have to send a letter overnight in order to get "First!" printed.

Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing at July 16, 2021 01:06 PM (2JVJo)

291 One of the most laughable scenarios I see from time to time is that Russia is going to invade and rollover western Europe.

Posted by: TC at July 16, 2021 01:06 PM (zTK4r)

292 TSMC is investing $12 billion in a 5nm fab plant in Arizona. Chip production is expected to start in 2024.
Posted by: mrp

Motorola used to have a YUGE fab facility in Phoenix. I imagine that is long closed down. I knew people that worked there....many years ago.

Posted by: Bozo Conservative.....Living on the prison planet at July 16, 2021 01:06 PM (vcOmj)

293 288 It's not quite as bad as you put it. I work in industry and we use a number of even local companies to do lots of plastic and molding work, some with very high tolerances. Granted prototypes are mostly done with machined parts.
Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) I knew there was someone here in the plastics industry. Like I said, I don't really know shit, admittedly. I know there are small companies in America who can produce extremely high tolerance products. But on a massive scale?
Posted by: Taqiyyologist, Rickrolled by Jesus at July 16, 2021 01:05 PM (OssQ4)
Cost is king. We go offshore for volume manufacturing.

Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at July 16, 2021 01:07 PM (ynpvh)

294 I get nervous when my hiccups don't go away after like ten minutes.

Posted by: lowandslow at July 16, 2021 01:07 PM (qH6FZ)

295 Honestly, I trust the US to be able to restart manufacturing capabilities a lot quicker than anyone else in the world. We still have a hell of a lot of institutional knowledge, and a culture that permits experimentation and risk-taking.

Posted by: Colorado Alex in Exile at July 16, 2021 01:08 PM (jOcSX)

296 I takenate great offensiveness to your interlocution that I am a microchimp.

Posted by: Al Sharptato at July 16, 2021 01:08 PM (1IX05)

297 289 Holy smokes. My car - a 2017 in very good shape - is, according to Kelley, worth anywhere form minus $1,500 to the same price I paid for it when I bought it new.
That's nuts.
Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at July 16, 2021 01:05 PM (3p5uk)

So I'd have to PAY $1,500 to GIVE it away, worst case...

Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at July 16, 2021 01:08 PM (ynpvh)

298 POLITICO:Federal Prosecutor Deliberately Delayed Hunter Biden Probe To Shield 2020 Election

Posted by: SMOD at July 16, 2021 01:08 PM (RHGPo)

299 Nuts! I missed the post about signs.

I favor a metal rendition of a Dr. Suess "Sneech" with the caption,

"In this house, we have stars upon ours."

Posted by: Synova at July 16, 2021 01:01 PM (BD/yx)

You think that's bad? All week, I've whined about the lack of boobage in the Art thread. Today, I missed the Art thread. Sigh.

Posted by: GnuBreed at July 16, 2021 01:09 PM (F0YaR)

300 What happened to Motorola and TI?

Posted by: Cat Ass Trophy at July 16, 2021 01:09 PM (gpKIi)

301 Holy smokes. My car - a 2017 in very good shape - is, according to Kelley, worth anywhere form minus $1,500 to the same price I paid for it when I bought it new.

That's nuts.
Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!)

Also, inflation. Those 2017 dollars were worth a lot more than 2021 dollars. And ....it's going to get worse. Uncle Joe is working on that.

Inflation. It's just not for tires anymore.

Posted by: Bozo Conservative.....Living on the prison planet at July 16, 2021 01:09 PM (vcOmj)

302 Everything....Everything reminds me of Fireside Theater LP.

Posted by: Humphreyrobot at July 16, 2021 01:09 PM (GSBVq)

303 MUMR with the humor.

Dang, really is a mirror universe.

Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing (2SdPm) at July 16, 2021 01:09 PM (2SdPm)

304 295

Just wait until the Biden taxes kick in which punish investments and capital gains.

Posted by: Joe XiDen at July 16, 2021 01:09 PM (SOBYU)

305 298 POLITICO:Federal Prosecutor Deliberately Delayed Hunter Biden Probe To Shield 2020 Election

Posted by: SMOD at July 16, 2021 01:08 PM (RHGPo)

This is my shocked face.

Posted by: Our Country is Screwed at July 16, 2021 01:09 PM (N39Ws)

306 294 I get nervous when my hiccups don't go away after like ten minutes.

Posted by: lowandslow at July 16, 2021 01:07 PM (qH6FZ)

Try reading the news (Scary!), or try breathing into a paper bag.

Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at July 16, 2021 01:10 PM (ynpvh)

307 POLITICO:Federal Prosecutor Deliberately Delayed Hunter Biden Probe To Shield 2020 Election

And Politico deliberately withheld this fact to shield the 2020 election.

Posted by: Cat Ass Trophy at July 16, 2021 01:10 PM (gpKIi)

308 And sponge would have to send a letter overnight in order to get "First!" printed.
Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing at July 16, 2021 01:06 PM

He may well live in a Kinko's desert, you know!

Posted by: Kamala! 2022! 2024! 2028! David Hogg 2032! at July 16, 2021 01:10 PM (DMUuz)

309 273 This is sort of humorous ..
Brazil's Bolsonaro Hospitalized After 10 Straight Days of Hiccups
Posted by: SMOD at July 16, 2021 01:02 PM (RHGPo)

He'll be fine. Remember he was stabbed while he was campaigning in 2018. He also recovered from the Wu Flu.

Posted by: Thrawn at July 16, 2021 01:10 PM (5aFbR)

310 My fifth wheel is worth, supposedly, more than we paid for it currently.

Posted by: Sponge - Saying Ashli Babbitt at July 16, 2021 01:10 PM (Zz0t1)

311 Honestly, I trust the US to be able to restart manufacturing capabilities a lot quicker than anyone else in the world. We still have a hell of a lot of institutional knowledge, and a culture that permits experimentation and risk-taking.
Posted by: Colorado Alex in Exile at July 16, 2021 01:08 PM (jOcSX)

**

I think we possibly could, but it's amusing that the single competitive advantage we had for such things (cheap energy) was purposely taken off the table.

Posted by: Moron Robbie - not even 3000 US COVID deaths in the last 14 days at July 16, 2021 01:10 PM (/BX3R)

312 Pretty sure that the microchip manufacturing went overseas since pretty much all electronic assembly is overseas. You want your suppliers and distributors nearby and hopefully with a common lingua franca to ease the negotiations.

We can't even get Americans to speak English, very few are learning the language of our Masters.

Posted by: Reuben Hick at July 16, 2021 01:11 PM (eRIsq)

313 298 POLITICO:Federal Prosecutor Deliberately Delayed Hunter Biden Probe To Shield 2020 Election

Posted by: SMOD at July 16, 2021 01:08 PM (RHGPo)

That thought NEVER occurred to anyone...

Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at July 16, 2021 01:11 PM (ynpvh)

314 We still have a hell of a lot of institutional knowledge, and a culture that permits experimentation and risk-taking.
Posted by: Colorado Alex in Exile

Srsly? We have a culture that sues to keep UI benefits flowing.

Posted by: rickb223 at July 16, 2021 01:11 PM (OCTRt)

315
And sponge would have to send a letter overnight in order to get "First!" printed.
Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing at July 16, 2021 01:06 PM (2JVJo)

My FedEx account is going to go through the roof.......

Posted by: Sponge - Saying Ashli Babbitt at July 16, 2021 01:11 PM (Zz0t1)

316 Honestly, I trust the US to be able to restart manufacturing capabilities a lot quicker than anyone else in the world. We still have a hell of a lot of institutional knowledge, and a culture that permits experimentation and risk-taking.

Posted by: Colorado Alex in Exile at July 16, 2021 01:08 PM

under normal circumstances, yes

these are not normal circumstances. regulation drives cost / elections have consequences

Posted by: AltonJackson at July 16, 2021 01:11 PM (DUIap)

317 And Politico deliberately withheld this fact to shield the 2020 election.
Posted by: Cat Ass

That is kind of the same as saying Pravda just says nice things about the soviets

Posted by: Y5 at July 16, 2021 01:11 PM (MofO9)

318 My graphics card is worth 3x what I paid for it.

Shoulda bought a dozen.

Posted by: Taqiyyologist, Rickrolled by Jesus at July 16, 2021 01:11 PM (OssQ4)

319 Name field test

Posted by: Moron Robbie - Remember when the Statue of Liberty used to be on Ellis Island?/b] at July 16, 2021 01:11 PM (/BX3R)

320 We can't even get Americans to speak English, very few are learning the language of our Masters.
Posted by: Reuben Hick at July 16, 2021 01:11 PM (eRIsq)
-----------

Wut R U sayin?

Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing (2SdPm) at July 16, 2021 01:11 PM (2SdPm)

321 Just checked an my 2015 Audi is worth more today than when I bought it in 2018. With an additional 20k miles. And I think I slightly overpaid for it when I bought it.

Posted by: Joe XiDen at July 16, 2021 01:11 PM (SOBYU)

322 Used Harleys can have some spendy desirable add-ons and customization. Low miles too.

Posted by: klaftern at July 16, 2021 01:12 PM (r4sI4)

323 Honestly, I trust the US to be able to restart manufacturing capabilities a lot quicker than anyone else in the world. We still have a hell of a lot of institutional knowledge, and a culture that permits experimentation and risk-taking.

Posted by: Colorado Alex in

What he said

Posted by: Y5 at July 16, 2021 01:12 PM (MofO9)

324 China is NOT the major manufacturer of semiconductor chips.There is a wide array of fabs in the US, Taiwan, Japan, S. Korea, and European countries that make the majority of the products.China builds the spill of low-end items.TSMC in Taiwan is the biggest foundry: making chips designed by other groups who cannot afford to build a factory. They are also going to build a behemoth facility here in AZ.Intel and NXP are still expanding here in AZ. There will be more.
I know this as I am in this industry and have been for >25 years in chip manufacturing. I build equipment for many of these firms.

Posted by: jdubyaAZ at July 16, 2021 01:12 PM (FQ2t6)

325 So I'd have to PAY $1,500 to GIVE it away, worst case...
Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at July 16, 2021 01:08 PM

Call us.

Posted by: 1-800-Kars4Kids at July 16, 2021 01:12 PM (DMUuz)

326 The Chamber of Commerce Republicans won't let you bring chip production here. They're too busy advocating for illegal immigration. Plus, all the corporate interests the GOPe are aligned with would lose millions if they didn't outsource our critical infrastructure to China. The big money is all investing in China and giving Congress a taste via their campaign coffers and "blind" (wink-wink) trusts. It's a sick soup of corruption so blatant they even defend the presidents son selling scribble for half a million in outright graft. There isn't a single person in Congress with the balls to go after the Chinese with anything but a strongly worded letter and disingenuous finger wag.

Posted by: Marcus T, Libertad at July 16, 2021 01:12 PM (bqcn9)

327 Honestly, I trust the US to be able to restart manufacturing capabilities a lot quicker than anyone else in the world. We still have a hell of a lot of institutional knowledge, and a culture that permits experimentation and risk-taking.

You obviously have never tried to get the proper permits to construct anything.

We went from American to American't.

Posted by: Reuben Hick at July 16, 2021 01:12 PM (eRIsq)

328 People who want free trade are idiots. The 1930s were a boom period because of things like us. Protectionism and autarky are the ONLY keys to prosperity!

Posted by: Smoot Hawley Tariff at July 16, 2021 01:13 PM (77j3F)

329
under normal circumstances, yes

these are not normal circumstances. regulation drives cost / elections have consequences
Posted by: AltonJacks

Nattering is not the way to win

Posted by: Y5 at July 16, 2021 01:13 PM (MofO9)

330 POLITICO: Federal Prosecutor Deliberately Delayed Hunter Biden Probe To Shield 2020 Election

In other breaking news, fish are wet.

Posted by: Boswell at July 16, 2021 01:13 PM (5iUNf)

331 Some buyers won't consider a vehicle with bull balls hanging from the trailer hitch.
Posted by: Cicero

Ha!
TruckNutz.
Great story about how that company got started. Too long for here but it begins with Bubba, Skooter and their cousin Booger sitting in the porch drinking longnecks and making a bet.

Posted by: Diogenes at July 16, 2021 01:13 PM (axyOa)

332 Re: inflation

It's weird how even little podunk local restaurants are trying to get people to come work for $15/hour now.

Posted by: Moron Robbie - Remember when the Statue of Liberty used to be on Ellis Island? at July 16, 2021 01:14 PM (/BX3R)

333 What. Does. A. Kid. Need. With. A. Kar?

Posted by: James Tiberius Kirk at July 16, 2021 01:14 PM (QU5/8)

334 You obviously have never tried to get the proper permits to construct anything.

We went from American to American't.
Posted by: Reuben Hick at July 16, 2021 01:12 PM (eRIsq)
-------------

Rodney Dangerfield's response to the professor of the business class in "Back to School" was spot on. Sort of scary, when you think about it.

Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing (2SdPm) at July 16, 2021 01:14 PM (2SdPm)

335 I remember reading a GE annual report a long time ago, saying that they had to turn over their latest generator technology to the commies for access to their markets - and they did!

What a bunch of short-sighted dumbshits.

Posted by: Deplorable Ian Galt at July 16, 2021 01:14 PM (ufFY8)

336 POLITICO: Federal Prosecutor Deliberately Delayed Hunter Biden Probe To Shield 2020 Election

In other breaking news, fish are wet.
Posted by: Boswell at July 16, 2021 01:13 PM (5iUNf)

That's some on the ball, timely reporting right there, boy.......

Posted by: Sponge - Saying Ashli Babbitt at July 16, 2021 01:14 PM (Zz0t1)

337 I dont want free trade. I want fair trade.

Posted by: Joe XiDen at July 16, 2021 01:14 PM (SOBYU)

338 Thank goodness we haven't offshored any of our bureaucratic or administrative capabilities. Can you imagine where we'd be?!

Posted by: t-bird at July 16, 2021 01:14 PM (l0OK9)

339 I love how the US get sued for waste that comes from Mexico via it's rivers. I mean, what incentive is there for Mexico to fix it's problems?

Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at July 16, 2021 01:14 PM (ynpvh)

340 Try reading the news (Scary!), or try breathing into a paper bag.

Here's my solution to hiccups: get a large glass and fill it to the top. Then drink a bit from the opposite side of the glass. Mine stop pretty much immediately. Had good success with that for *mumble* years.

Posted by: BackwardsBoy - Psychos Rule! No, really. They're in charge now. (HaL55) at July 16, 2021 01:14 PM (HaL55)

341 Nattering is not the way to win
Posted by: Y5 at July 16, 2021 01:13 PM

This is about me, isn't it?

Posted by: Nabob of Negativity at July 16, 2021 01:14 PM (DMUuz)

342 What. Does. A. Kid. Need. With. A. Kar?
Posted by: James Tiberius Kirk

Kars For Kids. You give them a car, they give you a kid.

Shitty trade.

Posted by: rickb223 at July 16, 2021 01:15 PM (OCTRt)

343 I think we possibly could, but it's amusing that the single competitive advantage we had for such things (cheap energy) was purposely taken off the table.

And an educated work-force.

Posted by: Reuben Hick at July 16, 2021 01:15 PM (eRIsq)

344 Lindsey Graham will fire off a strongly worded letter to that prosecutor who withheld info about Hunter. Rumor has it he may use 3 exclamation points. That will show him!

Posted by: Joe XiDen at July 16, 2021 01:15 PM (SOBYU)

345 Who cares about cars? I just call Uber.

Posted by: Kidz Today at July 16, 2021 01:15 PM (DMQdU)

346 I don't want to go to war with china over microchips. I want to string up every "free marketeer" who gave all American manufacturing to the CCP.

Posted by: BurtTC at July 16, 2021 01:16 PM (YV6PJ)

347 Try reading the news (Scary!), or try breathing into a paper bag.

Here's my solution to hiccups: get a large glass and fill it to the top. Then drink a bit from the opposite side of the glass. Mine stop pretty much immediately. Had good success with that for *mumble* years.
Posted by: BackwardsBoy

Fap to nekkid Nanzi Pelosi.

Posted by: rickb223 at July 16, 2021 01:16 PM (OCTRt)

348 Never had this problem with vacuum tubes!

Posted by: Weasel at July 16, 2021 01:16 PM (MVjcR)

349 I'm having a utility trailer built. Nothing fancy, just heavier axle and electric brakes. Ordered it the end of March and was told 4-6 weeks. It's been almost four months and still hasn't been worked. They are having problems getting the materials to build the trailers.

If we had serious leaders, they'd look into this.

Posted by: Notsothoreau - look forward at July 16, 2021 01:16 PM (5HBd1)

350 I don't want to go to war with china over microchips. I want to string up every "free marketeer" who gave all American manufacturing to the CCP.
Posted by: BurtTC at July 16, 2021 01:16 PM (YV6PJ)
--------------

Hey, no controlling legal authority, remember?

Posted by: Bill Clinton at July 16, 2021 01:16 PM (2SdPm)

351
Never had this problem with vacuum tubes!

Posted by: Weasel at July 16, 2021 01:16 PM

and the amps sounded better!

Posted by: AltonJackson at July 16, 2021 01:17 PM (DUIap)

352 Good thing our Navy is totes on top of their game.

Posted by: CSMBigBird at July 16, 2021 01:17 PM (jsWA8)

353 Marjorie Taylor Green, Lauren Boebert, and hopefully in the future, Ruth Edmonds have more balls then all the men in the entire GOP Caucus. Women are obviously the future of the Republican Party as soft hands, swamp dwelling, platitude launching weak ass pool boys like McCarthy rise to the top. Like pond scum.

Posted by: Marcus T, Libertad at July 16, 2021 01:17 PM (bqcn9)

354 If we had serious leaders, they'd look into this.

*

They WANT this.

They want shortages and nervousness. They can get trillions from it.

Posted by: Moron Robbie - Remember when the Statue of Liberty used to be on Ellis Island? at July 16, 2021 01:17 PM (/BX3R)

355 Never had this problem with vacuum tubes!

Posted by: Weasel at July 16, 2021 01:16 PM

and the amps sounded better!
Posted by: AltonJackson at July 16, 2021 01:17 PM (DUIap)

This......

Posted by: Sponge - Saying Ashli Babbitt at July 16, 2021 01:17 PM (Zz0t1)

356 Never had this problem with vacuum tubes!
Posted by: Weasel at July 16, 2021 01:16 PM

Not everyone drives a 1932 John Deere.

Posted by: Duncanthrax at July 16, 2021 01:17 PM (DMUuz)

357
The Church has no problem stomping on Traditional Catholics while cosseting and scraping to the liberal wing.

I get the feeling if you want to be treated with kid gloves, be someone important and liberal. The USCCB is wringing its hands over giving Communion to Biden and Pelosi. Meanwhile, I'm cut off from the Sacraments, despite doing what I can and not being able to do much about the rest.

Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at July 16, 2021 01:18 PM (mht8P)

358 Here's my solution to hiccups: get a large glass and fill it to the top. Then drink a bit from the opposite side of the glass. Mine stop pretty much immediately. Had good success with that for *mumble* years.
Posted by: BackwardsBoy - Psychos Rule!

Yep. To clarify: lean over the dishwasher lid, or the tub or shower, or go outside -- then bend over and make your upper lip your bottom lip, and drink upside-down. Works every time. Looks silly, but it works.

Posted by: Taqiyyologist, Rickrolled by Jesus at July 16, 2021 01:18 PM (OssQ4)

359 I barely use the trailer. Probably should sell it and buy again in a year or two when prices come back to reality.

Posted by: Joe XiDen at July 16, 2021 01:18 PM (SOBYU)

360 $30. Same as in town.

Posted by: Inflation at July 16, 2021 01:18 PM (Tnijr)

361 Check out the machines made by ASML to make chips. They are really cool and go for about $150 mill each. They can produce the most advanced chips on the planet.

Trump prevented China from buying one. Nearest one is in Taiwan, owned by Taiwan Semiconductor. If Biden allows China to buy one, it won't be in the news but it will be a major capitulation to China.

Of course, if China invades Taiwan they can get one that way.

Posted by: sniffybigtoe at July 16, 2021 01:18 PM (Y5qcH)

362 Good thing our Navy is totes on top of their game.
Posted by: CSMBigBird at July 16, 2021 01:17 PM (jsWA8

*galk* *galk* *galk*

uhhhk......what?!?! HuH?

- Admiral Ballsucker McCockblow

Posted by: Sponge - Saying Ashli Babbitt at July 16, 2021 01:19 PM (Zz0t1)

363 I had a girlfriend that believed blowjobs were the best way to get rid of hiccoughs.

I never figured out how to give her hiccoughs

Posted by: Y5 at July 16, 2021 01:19 PM (MofO9)

364 Not everyone drives a 1932 John Deere.
Posted by: Duncanthrax at July 16, 2021 01:17 PM (DMUuz)
------------

I ran across an article a couple of years ago, that older tractors were going for a premium, because they were more readily repaired than the newer stuff. That farmers just couldn't afford the downtime, waiting for the repair guy to show up.

Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing (2SdPm) at July 16, 2021 01:19 PM (2SdPm)

365 Rodney Dangerfield's response to the professor of the business class in "Back to School" was spot on. Sort of scary, when you think about it.
Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing (2SdPm) at July 16, 2021 01:14 PM (2SdPm)

Pretty sure whoever wrote that part of the script was from King County and Seattle.

Posted by: Diogenes at July 16, 2021 01:19 PM (axyOa)

366 Thank goodness we haven't offshored any of our bureaucratic or administrative capabilities. Can you imagine where we'd be?!

Posted by: t-bird at July 16, 2021 01:14 PM (l0OK9)

I'd love to see them offshored, on a large ship. Make it a night to remember.

Posted by: Grudge Harbor at July 16, 2021 01:19 PM (uhPTO)

367 Cash is trash. Hold none right now.

Posted by: Joe XiDen at July 16, 2021 01:19 PM (SOBYU)

368 356 Never had this problem with vacuum tubes!

Posted by: Weasel at July 16, 2021 01:16 PM

Not everyone drives a 1932 John Deere.

Posted by: Duncanthrax at July 16, 2021 01:17 PM (DMUuz)

There are many reasons why transistors took over.

Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at July 16, 2021 01:19 PM (ynpvh)

369 Holy smokes. My car - a 2017 in very good shape - is, according to Kelley, worth anywhere form minus $1,500 to the same price I paid for it when I bought it new.

Yet you can pick up a three year old low mileage Mercedes Benz AMG GLS 63 lease return for half the original MSRP.

Posted by: Reuben Hick at July 16, 2021 01:20 PM (eRIsq)

370
There are many reasons why transistors took over.
Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at July 16, 2021 01:19 PM (ynpvh)

Climate change.

Tubes tend to run pretty hot.

Posted by: Sponge - Saying Ashli Babbitt at July 16, 2021 01:20 PM (Zz0t1)

371 Y5, LOL

Posted by: Taqiyyologist, Rickrolled by Jesus at July 16, 2021 01:20 PM (OssQ4)

372 "Honestly, I trust the US to be able to restart manufacturing capabilities a lot quicker than anyone else in the world. We still have a hell of a lot of institutional knowledge, and a culture that permits experimentation and risk-taking. "

100% correct. What we lack are people in Congress with a set of balls to do anything but talk and wag fingers. The Republican Party is so weak, they make Wet Toilet Paper look like a super hero.

Posted by: Marcus T, Libertad at July 16, 2021 01:20 PM (bqcn9)

373
Nude

Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at July 16, 2021 01:20 PM (mht8P)

374 366 Thank goodness we haven't offshored any of our bureaucratic or administrative capabilities. Can you imagine where we'd be?!

Posted by: t-bird at July 16, 2021 01:14 PM (l0OK9)

I'd love to see them offshored, on a large ship. Make it a night to remember.

Posted by: Grudge Harbor at July 16, 2021 01:19 PM (uhPTO)

It could be a Titanic endeavor...

Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at July 16, 2021 01:21 PM (ynpvh)

375 I ran across an article a couple of years ago, that older tractors were going for a premium, because they were more readily repaired than the newer stuff. That farmers just couldn't afford the downtime, waiting for the repair guy to show up.
Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing (2SdPm) at July 16, 2021 01:19 PM

John Deere's policies and arrogance are a major driver behind the 'right to repair' movement.

Posted by: Duncanthrax at July 16, 2021 01:21 PM (DMUuz)

376 "Yeah, ever since the toaster got a microchip, he thinks he's all that. Stupid uppity toaster." Posted by: refrigerator

if they have your wifi password, China toaster and China frig may have both voted Biden 2020. those 81 million votes came from somewhere.

Posted by: illiniwek at July 16, 2021 01:21 PM (Cus5s)

377
Even if we were willing, and we're not, the US incapable of restraining Chinese ambition. Taiwan, Japan, Korea, India, and SE Asia are on their own. They'll have to handle their China problem. Sorry, but it's the way it is. I am sure these countries are preparing themselves for the coming storm.

Posted by: Yudhishthira's Dice at July 16, 2021 01:21 PM (7Ttpp)

378 Nood.

Posted by: What's a Seawolf? at July 16, 2021 01:21 PM (khAeP)

379 "There are many reasons why transistors took over."

We are showing the way baby!

Posted by: a trans sistor at July 16, 2021 01:21 PM (Tnijr)

380 Tubes tend to run pretty hot.
Posted by: Sponge

And a Geforce GTX 1660 TI would be the size of Connecticut.

Posted by: Taqiyyologist, Rickrolled by Jesus at July 16, 2021 01:22 PM (OssQ4)

381 Climate change.

Tubes tend to run pretty hot.

Also, sturdier and less prone to vibration failure. Plus, they don't go into total protonic reversal when you drop one.

Posted by: BackwardsBoy - Psychos Rule! No, really. They're in charge now. (HaL55) at July 16, 2021 01:22 PM (HaL55)

382
Never had this problem with vacuum tubes!
Posted by: Weasel at July 16, 2021 01:16 PM (MVjcR)

Of course, there's only a few factories who even make vacuum tubes anymore, in Russia, Chy-Nah and Slovakia.

The Slovakian and Russian tubes are consistently good to excellent. The Chy-Nah tubes are mediocre at best. At least in guitar amps.

Posted by: IllTemperedCur at July 16, 2021 01:22 PM (n+4am)

383 153 Maybe getting cut off from computer chips would be a good thing. Just think what it might be like to not have twitter or facebook or google.
Posted by: Justsayin' at July 16, 2021 12:42 PM (Fs5vw)

And you could just get all your news from Fox News and newspapers.

Seriously, Big Data's importance and influence is hugely overrated.

Posted by: Commander Tacticool at July 16, 2021 01:22 PM (VyDjz)

384 Some fat black NAACP, and did I say fat, women from Fairfax VA wants us all to die. You first you fat bastard

Posted by: Nevergiveup at July 16, 2021 01:23 PM (GPwVZ)

385 Delaware's U.S. Attorney David Weiss allegedly postponed allowing prosecutors to obtain search warrants and issue grand jury subpoenas last summer, after facing pressure from other officials...
Put a face on it: polarize, personalize....

Posted by: SMOD at July 16, 2021 01:23 PM (RHGPo)

386 363 -

Teh orall secks on the lady will give her hiccups. I'm sorry you never figured this out. Sorry for her, I mean.

Posted by: BurtTC at July 16, 2021 01:24 PM (YV6PJ)

387
153 Maybe getting cut off from computer chips would be a good thing.
Just think what it might be like to not have twitter or facebook or
google.

Posted by: Justsayin' at July 16, 2021 12:42 PM (Fs5vw)

Big Tech would still buy them from "their friends" the Chinese

Posted by: SMOD at July 16, 2021 01:25 PM (RHGPo)

388 Romney's house was sold quite a while ago, I think. And the neighbors' irritation over the project was idiotic, as you'd expect (now) from wealthy coastal clueless. The main "neighbor" (adjoining) was a friend of his, one reason he bought the place. The construction was nothing special, no more disruptive than standard (walked by it many times). Unimportant info you can't use, but there it is.

Posted by: rhomboid (OTzUX) at July 16, 2021 01:32 PM (OTzUX)

389 Is the think about the DE US attorney (now replaced, presumably) about the Biden money-laundering, tax, and assorted other things that arose (partly) because of the laptop?

Posted by: rhomboid (OTzUX) at July 16, 2021 01:33 PM (OTzUX)

390 No Significant corruption...,

Posted by: runner at July 16, 2021 01:37 PM (Q2cEs)

391 DeSantis 2024
Winning without all the narcissism/nepotism

Posted by: Valiant at July 16, 2021 01:39 PM (3MiF8)

392 Or am I way off base on all this, being non-Catholic?
Posted by: Joe Mannix (Not a cop!) at July 16, 2021 12:44 PM (3p5uk)

Exactly right, Joe. Latin is the universal language of Catholics.

Posted by: clutch at July 16, 2021 01:43 PM (1yBva)

393 One of our home grown geniuses will figure out a better way. That's American know-how.

Posted by: erobot at July 16, 2021 02:04 PM (Q+H+d)

394 I'm among that 43% in the Great Lakes. Ohio for Ohioans, and USA out of America.

Posted by: Rowsdower says Ashli Babbitt is Crispus Attucks and so will you be soon at July 16, 2021 03:17 PM (hRMuo)

395 If the PRC actually cuts off, destroys, or significantly disrupts the major Taiwanese plants for any serious amount of time, we have a non-zero chance of spiraling into a new dark age.

For real. It's that serious. One does not just spout slogans about "murica!" and pull a functional semiconductor plant producing needed components in the needed quantities out of their ass.

Those saying we've retained a significant amount of institutional knowledge and have a business/industrial culture that rewards initiative and risk-taking are smoking crack.

"Seriously, Big Data's importance and influence is hugely overrated.
Posted by: Commander Tacticool at July 16, 2021 01:22 PM (VyDjz)"

On the panopticon/police state end, it is not. It's an existential threat to what remains of free western civilization.

Posted by: somedood at July 16, 2021 03:40 PM (IN1nj)

396 Those of us that actually know how to do stuff, just about anything, from scratch, are starting to get old, and not really give a crap. Lot's of us made a fuss when it was getting obvious that decay had begun and now that the rot has set in and things are beginning to crumble it's hard not to just set and watch the spectacle with some amusement. It sucks for the younger generations though.

Posted by: pawn at July 16, 2021 04:37 PM (3Yj85)

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