Quote from: TDoS on Apr 14, 2026, 02:59 PMHave you ever questioned not saving more towards a retirement so as to not be where you are,

No

Quoteor was the fun while younger worth your circumstances now?   

My circumstances now are the result of an amputated leg and a broken neck.  They have nothing to do with the fun I had when I was young (and middle aged).  Without the disabilities, I'd be quite happy living on my SS & Pension.  I'd probably be sailing the Sloop JohnB around the Society Islands.




RE

Quote from: TDoS on Apr 14, 2026, 02:55 PMStage 1 drought conditions already declared locally. Less watering this year. Surcharges on high water usage...but no one has told me what volume of water that is.

Quote from: REYou can use your solar panels to distill the wastewater from your toilet.

Besides using the solar panels to do more important stuff than that, the wife would have no urge.

Quote from: REOr drive your EV to buy bulk 20 gal bottled mineral water.

Drought here doesn't mean no water. It means less. The lawn won't be happy.

Quote from: RESince you're one of those high net worth individuals, you could even have cases of Perrier FedExed straight from France.  No worries.  Yea!

RE

I drink water from the tap. I have arrived at this point in my life, as compared to where I began, by delivering results. For myself, my family, professional results for my employer or client, etc etc. I drink tap water. And drive a 26 year old salvage titled car I bought for $3200 that marks me as an old fuddy duddy (the motorcycle is 30 years old)....as compared to, say, finding myself some coolio matching European imports for the wife and I to preen our net worth status in an obvious way. Perrier....what a riot.

I must have missed your answer to a previous question? Have you ever questioned not saving more towards a retirement so as to not be where you are, or was the fun while younger worth your circumstances now?   

That answers the question of what Trumpolini would do if the boat was protected by the Chinese.  TACO TIME! 😛  Xi doesn't even need to send a gunboat to escort the tanker.

RE

Quote from: TDoS on Apr 13, 2026, 05:41 PMStage 1 drought conditions already declared locally. Less watering this year. Surcharges on high water usage...but no one has told me what volume of water that is.

You can use your solar panels to distill the wastewater from your toilet.  Or drive your EV to buy bulk 20 gal bottled mineral water.  Since you're one of those high net worth individuals, you could even have cases of Perrier FedExed straight from France.  No worries.  Yea!

RE

Stage 1 drought conditions already declared locally. Less watering this year. Surcharges on high water usage...but no one has told me what volume of water that is.

Who could ask for more?  lol.



RE

Reptilian Repetition in Trump's Diplomacy: Make threats, then talk. I don't mean to insult reptiles. But the Trump approach is what lower life forms and bullies do.






President Trump's approach to international relations, particularly with Iran and previously with North Korea, involves a consistent pattern of aggressive rhetoric followed by attempts at diplomatic engagement.

Trump's Playbook: Trump follows a predictable pattern where he uses aggressive language and threats before attempting diplomacy.




This approach was seen in his dealings with North Korea, and it appears to be repeating with Iran.

A: Reptilian Repetition: The strategy relies on the repetitive use of similar tactics, banking on others' short attention spans to overlook the pattern. It starts with a threat.




By making repeated threats, Trump aims to create a familiar dynamic that he can manipulate to his advantage.

B: Pivot to making demands. In 2017, after threatening "total destruction" against North Korea, Trump became the first U.S. president to meet with a North Korean leader.




Despite the lack of substantive outcomes, North Korea gained international legitimacy without giving up its nuclear weapons.

C: Get the opponent to concede or repeat from step A. Trump's words are designed to provoke a reaction, and potentially force the other party into backing down due to the threat.




This simple strategy attempts to use the specter of force to achieve diplomatic goals.

Trump is unfamiliar with :

Quote
Do not repeat the tactics which have gained you one victory, but let your methods be regulated by the infinite variety of circumstances

Trump's recent actions towards Iran follow a well-established pattern that he has used before with North Korea. His aggressive rhetoric and threats are not accidental but rather part of a calculated strategy aimed at forcing his opponents into concessions through the perceived strength of "big talk."

Which from an American President or any other mature adult is childish and stupid. It is what bullies do. It is also too kind to refer to the strategy as calculated since it is only a pattern that repeats with little variation. A pattern that is easily seen by an opponent, violating another maxim from 'The Art Of War."