"As I said, this was my sarcastic summer. It was only long after that I recognized sarcasm as the protest of people who are weak." John Knowles, A Separate Peace. A Separate Peace - Wikipedia

U.S. Freezes Nearly $9.5 Billion Afghanistan Central Bank Assets

Such an undertaking or qualified statement of intent becomes null and void should circumstances change. Just as if Trump had promised everyone a subsidised Tesla to everyone if Elon Musk landed on the moon after the election and should he remain el ...

U.S. Freezes Nearly $9.5 Billion Afghanistan Central Bank Assets

I agree that its all pretty pathetic and quite tragic and that Pres Biden and his administration is unfit. Taking a larger view, I'm just wondering about all the other influences that enabled this situation. I have ranted about the intelligence ...

U.S. Freezes Nearly $9.5 Billion Afghanistan Central Bank Assets

We agree on something that is so blindingly obvious. I understand that there are many intelligence agencies with teams of analysts with PhDs and astonishing technology that we can only imagine. Or see in science fiction films. The spooks were either ...

U.S. Freezes Nearly $9.5 Billion Afghanistan Central Bank Assets

Yes. I am regularly reduced to tears, have anxiety attacks and assume the fetal position when confronted with such blunt truths. I've found that regular counselling sessions with a specialist can help. And crystal therapy. Or not.

Taliban enter Kabul, await ‘peaceful transfer’ of power

Well, perhaps time to re-assess any definition of common sense. The US did have the foresight to remember to take the really sophisticated equipment but - "Just to give an idea, in just the last three months from April to July 2021, the US handed ...

U.S. Freezes Nearly $9.5 Billion Afghanistan Central Bank Assets

That's true. From what I understand though, and correct me if I'm wrong, but they are pretty well trained up already with their own resources. Probably wouldn't hurt to have a few lazy billion bucks to pay some consultants. Are poppies currency?

U.S. Freezes Nearly $9.5 Billion Afghanistan Central Bank Assets

Why? Its not as if the Taliban need the dosh to acquire war machines. Because America left a significant quantity its military firepower and other high tech equipment there for the taking. Exactly who is America punishing now? Think. {Don't get me ...

U.S. Freezes Nearly $9.5 Billion Afghanistan Central Bank Assets

New Zealand has five times more sheep than humans. Sheep don't get Covid.

Official Cash Rate on hold at 0.25 percent

I'm sorry, I don't know what my name is in Chinese.

Taliban enter Kabul, await ‘peaceful transfer’ of power

The world was still in a little ice age in the 19th century when temperatures had actually been falling for a few hundred years.

Don't ignore climate risks in portfolios

I see. Thanks. Also, you mention that there were a few thousand troops stationed there recently keeping the peace - and what I've learnt tonight is that its been about 16 months since there was a US casualty. With the benefit of hindsight (or ...

President Biden Delivers Remarks on Afghanistan

Thanks for clarifying. I nevertheless have an issue with this underground stance. Sometimes this plan only serves to make them flourish and become even more strident. The Taliban (I'm not sure exactly who) has said that "you have watches, we have ...

President Biden Delivers Remarks on Afghanistan

Something that I don't quite understand because I don't know - where is the Afghan army? I had the impression, perhaps falsely, that they were actually trained by the US/Western military while there? Is the Afghan army included in the last sentence ...

President Biden Delivers Remarks on Afghanistan

And to those who are not American, presumptuous. Such entitled superiority and what that represents to those with some knowledge of history.

President Biden Delivers Remarks on Afghanistan

Perhaps it isn't Biden's fault, you know. Its not his fault for being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Some Elite dudes called him out of retirement and asked him if he'd like an all expenses paid holiday for a few years while they take care of ...

President Biden Delivers Remarks on Afghanistan

There have been at least 16 jihadist attacks on American soil in the past 20 years. To what end is pushing the enemy underground supposed to achieve?

President Biden Delivers Remarks on Afghanistan

Of course. And not forgetting that women have decided to delay becoming pregnant due to Covid. There won't be a next generation.

A positive case of Covid-19 has been identified in the community in Auckland, health officials...

Australia will probably go into lockdown for another month or two, just in case there is a New Zealander (Kiwi) in Australia... Any excuse.

A positive case of Covid-19 has been identified in the community in Auckland, health officials...

What country are you referring to?

RBA Governor Philip Lowe caused a stir when he said immigration was depressing wages - Now we...