Random Thoughts II

[Ken Cheng]

The worst kinds of bullies are the non-obvious kinds: though they're actually preying upon the weak (as all bullies do), they do it so artfully and craftily that they fool most others into believing they're doing something good and righteous.

This is the kind of bully to be most wary of.

[Trien Chieu]

In the movie "Genghis Khan", unless it was wrong, Genghis Khan did mention that he would not kill women, children, old and weak. Does not seem to be true in his expeditions.

E.g. "On another occasion, Mongols rounded up 70,000 men, women and children, and shot them with arrows. Genghis told his comrades: “Man’s greatest good fortune is to chase and defeat his enemy, seize his total possessions, leave his married women weeping and wailing, ride his gelding, use his women as a nightshirt and support, gazing upon and kissing their rosy breasts, sucking their lips which are as sweet as the berries of their breasts. ” http://listverse.com/2011/04/17/10-more-evil-men/

Given how evil the Mongolians were when they were in power, I wonder why no countries want to revenge when the Mongol empire collapsed. I wonder how Genghis Khan, Mongke, Kublai, ect. would feel about the state of his country right now.

[Ken Cheng]

Given how evil the Mongolians were when they were in power, I wonder why no countries want to revenge when the Mongol empire collapsed. I wonder how Genghis Khan, Mongke, Kublai, ect. would feel about the state of his country right now.

The people of the lands conquered by the Mongols during the 13th Century were too busy planning their post-Mongol futures to worry about "revenge." They were just happy to be in control of their own territory again.

For what it's worth, the Hongwu Emperor (Chu Yeun Cheung) and a few of the early Ming Emperors led military expeditions into Mongolia to demonstrate China's newfound military superiority and deter the Mongols from further incursions into the Central Plains (which probably worked, because the Mongols never again posed a really serious threat to the Central Plains).

Modern Mongolia is quite an interesting place where traditional life (e.g. goat tending, hunting) coexists with the modern (WiFi and Smartphones). Many yurt tents are probably outfitted with modems and routers these days.

[Ken Cheng]

...and you begin to think: "Why NOT whine? This world seems eager to fall over itself to reward it."

[Trien Chieu]

Can wealth be created out of thin air? I think it can. The Federal Reserve of the US creates $85 billion a month out of thin air and everything seem ok. Why not more? Why not create $100 billion, $200 billion, or even $500 billion a month? This way, the national debt can be paid off within a few years. Isn't it cool to be debt free?

[wkeej]

Can wealth be created out of thin air? I think it can. The Federal Reserve of the US creates $85 billion a month out of thin air and everything seem ok. Why not more? Why not create $100 billion, $200 billion, or even $500 billion a month? This way, the national debt can be paid off within a few years. Isn't it cool to be debt free?

In that case, all countries can do it. Then all countries will be debt-free.

[Trien Chieu]

In that case, all countries can do it. Then all countries will be debt-free.

Not all countries...
For countries that have debt in different currency other than their own can not do it. Greece can't do it because he/she can't print the Euro. On the other hand, country like the US can because pretty much all the debt that the US carries is in US dollars, something the US can create as much as he/she wants. I suspect, at some point the US will create trillions to pay off some/all of its debt and nothing other countries can do about it. The value of the US dollar will go down drastically. This is a time of uncertainty, pretty much all countries turn on their printing machine and print as much as they can. Actually, they don't even have to do that. They can create electronic money. Any country can create as much money as they wanted out of the thin air. For example, the US can simply create $20 trillion dollar in its account and pay off all of its debt. There is simply something wrong with the current system. I expect something big will happen in the not far away future.

[wkeej]

Good points, TC. But as what you indicate, "The value of the US dollar will go down drastically". I think US will think twice before printing/creating electronic transfer.

[Trien Chieu]

Good points, TC. But as what you indicate, "The value of the US dollar will go down drastically". I think US will think twice before printing/creating electronic transfer.

Sometimes in life, there is no other choice. If you look at the National/State/City debt levels, it's not sustainable. The problem is politicians are elected by the people. The one that promise more will be more likely get elected. I know this is not politically correct, but some people should not allow to vote. People in welfare, people with little education, people with addiction and so on should not be qualified to vote. Only intellectual with certain level education should be qualified to vote. I believe at some point, the US will have to do thing that he/she doesn't want to do. Create trillion of dollars out of thin air is perhaps the best alternative. I don't see the current government has any plan to pay off the current debt. Instead, the government keep borrowing more and more. The more the politician willing to borrow is the more likely he/she will get elected, and that is a unfixable problem.

[wkeej]

Sometimes in life, there is no other choice. If you look at the National/State/City debt levels, it's not sustainable. The problem is politicians are elected by the people. The one that promise more will be more likely get elected. I know this is not politically correct, but some people should not allow to vote. People in welfare, people with little education, people with addiction and so on should not be qualified to vote. Only intellectual with certain level education should be qualified to vote. I believe at some point, the US will have to do thing that he/she doesn't want to do. Create trillion of dollars out of thin air is perhaps the best alternative. I don't see the current government has any plan to pay off the current debt. Instead, the government keep borrowing more and more. The more the politician willing to borrow is the more likely he/she will get elected, and that is a unfixable problem.

There are two points here. First, will this system be discriminating. E.g. I have met many people with little education but have more general knowledge than me. At times, family difficulties result in them not pursuing further education. What you suggest is against the spirit of democracy - one man one vote. Second, while US is the world's largest debtor, it is also the world's richest country. All countries borrow. Most importantly, they need to honour the borrowings which US has done over the years.

[Trien Chieu]

There are two points here. First, will this system be discriminating. E.g. I have met many people with little education but have more general knowledge than me. At times, family difficulties result in them not pursuing further education.

Unfortunately, they are the exception. The vast majority of them will vote for the guy that promise them the most without thinking about consequences. Greece is a good example.

What you suggest is against the spirit of democracy - one man one vote. Second, while US is the world's largest debtor, it is also the world's richest country. All countries borrow. Most importantly, they need to honour the borrowings which US has done over the years.

I know it's politically incorrect. However, one man one vote is a problem. That is why so many democracies in Europe are failing as politicians handout more than what their countries can afford in order to get elected. It's nice if the US can honor their debt but I don't think it has the ability to without creating money out of the thin air. Currently, it creates $85 billion a month and still running deficit. How can it have the ability to pay it debt without printing/creating money at the same time the baby boomer will retire soon? Personally, I don't see it has the ability to do it the honorable way. The alternative way I can think of is keep printing/creating more and more money out of thin air. In 10 years, the dollar will worth less than half of its current value. It's no question that the next generation will have much much tougher time than the current generation.

[wkeej]

Unfortunately, they are the exception. The vast majority of them will vote for the guy that promise them the most without thinking about consequences. Greece is a good example.

I know it's politically incorrect. However, one man one vote is a problem. That is why so many democracies in Europe are failing as politicians handout more than what their countries can afford in order to get elected. It's nice if the US can honor their debt but I don't think it has the ability to without creating money out of the thin air. Currently, it creates $85 billion a month and still running deficit. How can it have the ability to pay it debt without printing/creating money at the same time the baby boomer will retire soon? Personally, I don't see it has the ability to do it the honorable way. The alternative way I can think of is keep printing/creating more and more money out of thin air. In 10 years, the dollar will worth less than half of its current value. It's no question that the next generation will have much much tougher time than the current generation.

For the first point, I think that's normal and rational. People will vote for the guy who can promise and execute.

There is no need for US to create US$17 trillion to pay off all its debts. If it is done, US will probably lose a lot of trust. Secondly, the US value will drop drastically. Thirdly, from a political perspective, it may be good for some countries to hold some US debts to allow for some reciprocal relationship.

[ByTmE]

'kay, I'm in Wisconsin now.

It's not that bad.

[Dirt]

"Oh my. Where? Yeah? Aw geez. Okay, there in a jif. Real good, then."

[wkeej]

If I really had to compare, there are many people who are worse off.

[Trien Chieu]

If I really had to compare, there are many people who are worse off.

If you look up, you are nothing. If you look down, you are the king. I guess just be happy of being who you are and make the best out of what you have.

[wkeej]

Well said. TC.

[Trien Chieu]

What is the single biggest problem facing the world right now?
The answer is not Syria, Iraq, nor Afghanstan. Unfortunately, it's FUKUSHIMA, JAPAN. If things go wrong, the whole world will be in big big trouble in a scale that we had never face in human history. It could be worse than WWI and WWII combine. Currently, there is no solution to the problem.

http://www.ctvnews.ca/world/fukushim...cean-1.1423208
https://www.google.ca/search?newwind...48.xZ0WZtpY9Tk

[cinamon]

AN ACCURATE 2013 HOROSCOPE

This is the real deal. Try ignoring it, and the first thing you’ll notice is having a horrible day starting tomorrow morning …


and it only gets worse from there.









ARIES - The Aggressive (March 21 to April 19)
Outgoing. Lovable. Spontaneous. Not one to mess with. Funny… Excellent kisser. EXTREMELY adorable. Loves relationships, and family is very important to an Aries. Aries are known for being generous and giving. Addictive. Loud. Always has the need to be ‘Right’. Aries will argue to prove their point for hours and hours. Aries are some of the most wonderful people in the world. 16 years of bad luck if you do not forward.

TAURUS - The Tramp (April 20 to May 20)
Aggressive. Loves being in long relationships. Likes to give a good fight. Fight for what they want. Can be annoying at times, but for the love of attention. Extremely outgoing. Loves to help people in times of need. Good kisser. Good personality. Stubborn. A caring person. They can be self-centred and if they want something they will do anything to get it. They love to sleep and can be lazy. One of a kind. Not one to mess with. Are the most attractive people on earth! 15 years of bad luck if you do not forward.

GEMINI - The Twin (May 21 to June 20)
Nice. Love is one of a kind. Great listeners. Very good at confusing people. Lover not a fighter, but will still knock you out. Geminis will not take any crap from anyone. Geminis like to tell people what they should do and get offended easily. They are great at losing things and are forgetful. Geminis can be very sarcastic and childish at times and are very nosey. Trustworthy. Always happy. VERY Loud. Talkative. Outgoing. VERY FORGIVING. Loves to make out. Has a beautiful smile. Generous. Strong. THE MOST IRRESISTIBLE. 9 years of bad luck if you do not forward.

CANCER - The Beauty (June 21 to July 22)
MOST AMAZING KISSER. Very high appeal. A Cancer’s love is one of a kind… Very romantic. Most caring person you will ever meet in your life. Entirely creative person, most are artists and insane, respectfully speaking. They perfected sex and do it often. Extremely random. An ultimate freak. Extremely funny and is usually the life of the party. Most Cancers will take you under their wing and into their hearts where you will remain forever. Cancers make love with a passion beyond compare. Spontaneous. Not a fighter, but will kick your *** good if it comes down to it. Someone you should hold on to! 12 years of bad luck if you do not forward.

LEO - The Lion (July 23 to August 22)
Great talker. Attractive and passionate. Laid back. Usually happy but when unhappy tend to be grouchy and childish. A Leo’s problem becomes everyone’s problem. Most Leos are very predictable and tend to be monotonous. Knows how to have fun. Is really good at almost anything. Great kisser. Very predictable. Outgoing. Down to earth. Addictive. Attractive. Loud. Loves being in long relationships. Talkative. Not one to mess with. Rare to find. Good when found. 7 years of bad luck if you do not forward.

VIRGO - The One that Waits (August 23 to September 22)
Dominant in relationships. Someone loves them right now. Always wants the last word. Caring. Smart. Loud. Loyal. Easy to talk to. Everything you ever wanted. Easy to please. A pushover. Loves to gamble and take chances. Needs to have the last say in everything. They think they know everything and usually do. Respectful to others but you will quickly lose their respect if you do something untrustworthy towards them and never regain respect. They do not forgive and never forget. The one and only. 7 years of bad luck if you do not forward.

LIBRA - The Lame One (September 23 to October 22)
Nice to everyone they meet. Their love is one of a kind. Silly, funny and sweet. Have own unique appeal. Most caring person you will ever meet! However, not the kind of person you want to mess with… you might end up crying. Libras can cause as much havoc as they can prevent. Faithful friends to the end. Can hold a grudge for years. Libras are someone you want on your side. Usually great at sports and are extreme sports fanatics. Very creative. A hopeless romantic. 9 years of bad luck if you do not forward.

SCORPIO - The Addict (October 23 to November 21)
EXTREMELY adorable. Loves to joke. Very good sense of humour. Will try almost anything once. Loves to be pampered. Energetic. Predictable. GREAT kisser. Always get what they want. Attractive. Loves being in long relationships. Talkative. Loves to party but at times to the extreme. Loves the smell and feel of money and is good at making it but just as good at spending it! Very protective over loved ones. HARD workers. Can be a good friend but if is disrespected by a friend, the friendship will end. Romantic. Caring. 4 years of bad
Luck if you do not forward.

SAGITTARIUS - The Promiscuous One (November 22 to December 21)
Spontaneous. High appeal. Rare to find. Great when found. Loves being in long relationships. So much love to give. A loner most of the time. Loses patience easily and will not take crap. If in a bad mood stay FAR away. Gets offended easily and remembers the offence forever. Loves deeply but at times will not show it, feels it is a sign of weakness. Has many fears but will not show it. VERY private person. Defends loved ones with all their abilities. Can be childish often. Not one to mess with. Very pretty. Very romantic. Nice to everyone they meet. Their Love is one of a kind. Silly, fun and sweet. Have own unique appeal. Most caring person you will ever meet! Amazing in bed!!! Not the kind of person you want to mess with- you might end up crying. 4 years of bad luck if you do not forward.

CAPRICORN - The Passionate Lover (December 22 to January 19)
Love to bust. Nice. Sassy. Intelligent. Sexy. Grouchy at times and annoying to some. Lazy and love to take it easy, but when they find a job or something they like to do they put their all into it. Proud, understanding and sweet. Irresistible. Loves being in long relationships. Great talker. Always gets what he or she wants. Cool. Loves to win against other signs in sports, especially Gemini’s. Likes to cook but would rather go out
To eat at good restaurants. Extremely fun. Loves to joke. Smart. 24 years of bad luck if you do not forward.

AQUARIUS - Does It in the Water (January 20 to February 18)
Trustworthy. Attractive. Great kisser. One of a kind. Loves being in long-term relationships. Tries hard. Will take on any project. Proud of themselves in whatever they do. Messy and unorganized. Procrastinators. Great lovers, when they’re not sleeping. Extreme thinkers. Loves their pets usually more than their family. Can be VERY irritating to others when they try to explain or tell a story. Unpredictable. Will exceed your expectations. Not a fighter, but will knock your lights out. 2 years of bad luck if you do not forward.

PISCES - The Partner for Life (February 19 to March 20)
Caring and kind. Smart. Likes to be the centre of attention. Very organized. High appeal to opposite sex. Likes to have the last word. Good to find, but hard to keep. Passionate, wonderful lovers. Fun to be around. Too trusting at times and gets hurt easily. VERY caring. They always try to do the right thing and sometimes get the short end of the stick. They sometimes get used by others and get hurt because of their trusting. Extremely weird but in a good way. Good sense of humour!!! Thoughtful. Loves to joke. Very popular. Silly, fun and sweet. Good friend to others but needs to be choosy on who they allow their friends to be. 5 years of bad luck if you do not forward.

[wkeej]

16 yrs of bad luck.