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sgiandubh · 6 months

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The ripple effect

So finally, it would seem the news from Hollywood are not good at all. A press release from SAG-AFTRA informs us that AMPTP/TPTB chose to drop the towel after a very long negotiation process (not a good sign, in my book), that continued even after their latest unacceptable offer, as you can read down below (https://x.com/sagaftra/status/1712368110253285730?s=20):

The mainstream media (always NYT, in this house) reported also on the studios' offer, which may or may not be helpful for understanding what exactly is at stake (https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/12/business/media/actors-strike-talks-suspended.html?searchResultPosition=2):

Now that is a very hardball, completely insolent position. I am peeling my eyes in disbelief at the idea of offering 'further protections around the use of A.I.', when it was hoped that the use of A.I. would be treated as an exception, not as future reality the industry should work 'around'. This is what really is at stake, not the almost abusive allegation of 'unbearable economic burden' (that is a mafioso pretext) an 800 million USD yearly viewership bonus would supposedly entail. The real financial impact of such a compromise solution, as disclosed by SAG-AFTRA, is negligible: 'less than 57 cents/subscriber'.

And, to make things worse, it would seem the studios deliberately lied to the press, too (it would not be the first time - we shippers know it so well, eh?):

All this circus, despite a cataclysmic impact on California's economy:

(Sourced at: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/21/realestate/writers-strike-rent-ny-la.html).

And that was the situation three weeks ago, when I found this article and promptly set it aside, waiting for the right moment to share it with you. And you know the situation is serious, when news like these are to be found not in the business, but in the real estate section of the newspaper. Along with this kind of comments, likely to suggest the possibility of unrest, if things go on like this:

People living in their flats without electricity or sleeping in their cars: it would seem this strike added unwanted insult to the drastic COVID injury in this particular sector of the labor market.

But what interested me the most about this whole affair was the ripple effect on the British film industry, in an attempt to see what is next for OL's Season 8. Thankfully, I didn't have to go very far and speculate more than the NYT did itself. Oh, and before Mordor starts shouting insanities, their LHR's correspondent paper, back in September, is called 'Hollywood Strikes Send a Chill Through Britain’s Film Industry' (https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/19/business/hollywood-strikes-uk-filmmaking-industry.html):

Despite my unflappable optimism, I have to say that doesn't sound good at all, especially when you know this is precisely the case for OL, a production 'with stars who are SAG-AFTRA members' (or at least compelled to stand in solidarity with the strike, by SAG-AFTRA's own statement of conduct). I predict a very late start for the shooting of Season 8. And further unrest in the UK sector 'in the middle of next year' means that UK based and staffed productions may be fewer and less important, since that calendar announced by Equity could seriously compromise their promotion, a risk not many studios are willing to take. So less alternatives for both S&C, at least for the UK alone.

The writers' strike was a very long one - five months. I suppose the studios are willing to play for time and prefer a long stalemate of the negotiations with SAG-AFTRA, in the attempt of breaking the union consensus from the inside. With people's economies gone and the prospect of a dire, uncertain way ahead, there is no way SAG-AFTRA's compensations, mainly aimed at keeping people afloat with their rent costs, could cover the real impact on its members' everyday lives, on the long run. They would also prefer to foolishly cry over a fictitious 800 million USD 'burden' and not see the (at least) six times bigger negative impact on the local economy, which translates both in net losses of profit for thousands of businesses (mainly SMEs) and thousands of lost jobs.

And in the middle of all this, it would seem that Herself is on her way to the NYCC. Whatever for, sweet summer child, I would brazenly ask this strange, diminutive woman who started it all.

#sag aftra strike

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theculturedmarxist · 3 months

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As of this writing, Biden has finally begun his retaliatory attacks, hitting targets in Syria and Iraq. But sources claim that almost every target was known in advance and evacuated, as we suspected would be the case.

But the most interesting development on this front is the following. Recall in the last update I indicated rumors that, amid a welter of secret talks, Israel was considering some kind of full ceasefire and, presumably, an end to the war.

Now there are new reports that the US has fully doubled down on the creation of a Palestinian state—in other words, the long-sought-after two-state solution:

The United States is actively pursuing the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with security guarantees for Israel and exploring options with partners in the region, the State Department spokesperson said on Wednesday.

Whitehouse Spokesman Matthew Miller confirmed:

He says the carrot is “security guarantees for Israel”. You have to understand how politi-speak works. In diplomatic/political terms, “security guarantees” is translated as: bribes. It effectively means, we’ll give you x amount of billions of dollars for weapons if you do what we say.

A new WaPo piece confirms these developments by adding that Blinken will soon head to the MidEast to try to finalize this deal by convincing Saudi Arabia to agree to normalize its relations with Israel on the express condition that Israel not only fully ends the Gaza conflict, but commits to creating a Palestinian state which includes Gaza and the West Bank.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken plans to travel to the Middle East soon. He’ll probably stop first in Saudi Arabia, where he hopes for a renewed pledge from Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to normalize relations with Israel if — and only if — Israel ends the Gaza conflict and commits to the eventual creation of a Palestinian state that includes Gaza and the West Bank.

It’s difficult not to be somewhat impressed by these developments. For all the corruption and evil of the US regime, we can almost give them credit for coming to reason—under great duress and social pressure, of course—and for once doing the just and honorable thing. What it further means is that the US realizes it has no choice remaining but to hardball an ‘end game’ against Israel, otherwise US risks being dragged into an Empire-ending war with Iran.

It does look more and more likely that such a deal can occur, and the war on Gaza will end. But: one must remember that from the perspective of diehard Likudniks and Israeli rightwingers, such a ‘premature’ cessation would effectively doom Israel for good. We’ve covered the angle at length before, but in essence, due to Israel’s demographic discrepancies with its Arab neighbors amongst other things, to allow a Palestinian state to grow on its borders, protected by a legitimate UN seat (rather than “observer” status), would mean the eventual total dissolution of Israel and the forfeiture of all prophecies of Moshiach’s return.

Thus, the radicals amongst them could never allow this—so it will have to come to a major head, and may get bloody. Israel’s internal situation and stability in many ways mirrors that of Ukraine and its ultra-radical faction.

The final biggest issue, which would be an immense thorn in Israel’s side, and a grave humiliation, is highlighted at the end of the WaPo article:

Then there is the problem of stopping settler violence and relocating as many as 200,000 Israelis from a future Palestinian state. Biden took a strong step Thursday by sanctioning four Israeli West Bank settlers who committed violence against Palestinians. That’s just a start, but it enhances U.S. credibility with Palestinians as peace broker.

Yes, you see, given that Israel has hundreds of thousands of illegal settlers occupying ostensibly Palestinian territory, the creation of a legitimate state would necessitate the total expulsion of all settlers, which would play like a sort of Israeli Nakhba on TV. Recall, the whole point of the illegal settlements was always about one thing only: keeping a Palestinian state from forming. So this would mean the end to a grand plan spanning many decades, and a historic failure of an age-old Zionist vision.

As a sidenote, new reports point to promising normalizations between KSA and Syria as well:

Saudi Arabia prepares to open embassy in Syria The process of normalizing relations between Saudi Arabia and the Assad regime is gaining momentum. According to a report by Al Watan, Saudi Chargé d'Affaires Abdullah al-Harith and some other diplomats will travel to Damascus on Saturday to resume Saudi consular services. According to the Saudi newspaper, Al-Harith will present his credentials to the Assad regime's foreign minister and begin work with his team at a hotel in the Syrian capital. Once restoration work is completed on the Saudi Arabian Embassy building in Damascus, the embassy will move into this building. The United Arab Emirates also sent an ambassador to Syria for the first time in 13 years. UAE Ambassador Hassan al-Shehhi took office on Tuesday, presenting his credentials to the Assad regime's foreign minister.

I tentatively propose that ‘things are looking up’.

#israel #palestine #israel palestine conflict #biden #believe it when we see it

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mariacallous · 4 months

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Turkey and the United States have been treaty allies since Ankara joined the trans-Atlantic alliance in 1952 by formally becoming a member of NATO. Over the ensuing 70 years, Turkey’s bilateral relationship with the United States has been through its fair share of ups and downs. In the mid-1960s, the relationship was rocked by the secret U.S. deal with the Soviet Union to withdraw Jupiter missiles from Turkey during the Cuban missile crisis and former U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson’s letter threatening not to defend Turkey over Cyprus.

Later differences over Vietnam created an anti-American backlash in Turkish public opinion. In the mid-1970s, the Turkish invasion and occupation of Northern Cyprus led to a congressionally imposed arms embargo and subsequent limits on U.S. arms exports to Turkey. Despite these periodic difficulties, a common threat perception about the dangers that Moscow posed to European and global security helped maintain a strong government-to-government relationship during the Cold War.

Following the Soviet Union’s demise in the early 1990s, the relationship between Washington and Ankara blossomed for a time and arguably reached a peak at the turn of the millennium, when President Bill Clinton declared that U.S.-Turkish ties constituted a “strategic partnership,” and U.S. diplomatic activism helped secure an invitation to Ankara from the European Union to open accession talks (an objective of Turkish foreign policy since the early 1960s).

Under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, this relationship has essentially been driven off a cliff during his two decades of domination of Turkish politics. Since 2003, the bilateral relationship has slowly been purposefully undermined to the point that Washington no longer has a reliable ally to work with. These days, the relationship is characterized by Turkey’s mercurial, hypocritical, and callous stance on a range of security issues.

Since the first Gulf War, Washington has gone to great lengths to accommodate Ankara’s regional security concerns. The Clinton administration was visionary in promulgating Operation Provide Comfort, which not only prevented Saddam Hussein from killing more of Iraq’s Kurdish population, but also ensured that the separatist Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) of Turkey was designated as a terrorist organization. During this period, Washington closely shared actionable intelligence to limit border incursions from northern Iraq into Turkey.

Similarly, in 1999, U.S. intelligence played a pivotal role in helping to capture and deliver Turkey’s equivalent of Osama bin Laden into the hands of Turkish forces: Abdullah Ocalan, the leader of the PKK would not be in Turkish prison today had it not been for the United States. More recently, following several terrorist attacks carried out by Islamic State forces in Turkey, Washington quickly championed the deployment of Patriot missile batteries inside Turkey, sourced from NATO members.

How has Turkey reciprocated? Ankara has cozied up to the United States’ emerging great-power rivals, China and Russia. These diplomatic dalliances ultimately led to the Turkish decision to purchase, first, a Chinese air and missile defense system, and when that fell through, the decision to purchase the Russian S-400 advanced air defense missile.

Turkey has allowed itself to become a vital enabler of violent Islamist extremist forces in Syria with funds and arms flowing through Turkey into its strife-plagued neighbor. Despite repeated efforts by the United States to work out differences over rival opposition forces battling against the regime of Bashar al-Assad in Syria, Turkey has repeatedly demanded that the U.S reposition its forces, launched airstrikes on U.S. partners, and has even come dangerously close to bombing the small U.S. special forces group in a wildly irresponsible effort to rouse nationalistic fervor at home in support of Erdogan’s narrow domestic political agenda.

The Erdogan regime has held American citizens (and local employees of the U.S. government) as virtual hostages in an effort to leverage U.S. domestic politics to shut down investigations of money laundering and sanctions evasion activity by actors with ties to the Turkish state. It also refused to join the West in imposing sanctions on Putin’s Russia after the invasion of Ukraine. Instead, Turkey has become a key destination for illicit financial flows from Russian oligarchs seeking to shield their assets and a transit point for dual use goods supporting Russia’s wartime defense industry.

Finally, and perhaps most egregiously, Turkey has held Sweden’s prospective NATO membership (and earlier, Finland’s) hostage to Erdogan’s desire to extract benefits for acquiescing in steps that he had earlier told Finnish and Swedish leaders that he supported unconditionally, thus putting in jeopardy one of the most important strategic costs that President Vladimir Putin’s aggression has brought upon his own Russian Federation.

To add injury to insult, since the Oct. 7 terrorist attacks that were carried out by Hamas in southern Israel, Erdogan has turned his back on the West and its allies, deciding instead to shore up his support for Hamas. Referring to the militant group’s members as mujahadeen (freedom fighters), Ankara has positioned itself as an adversary of a key U.S. ally. More troublingly, Ankara has provided Hamas with office space inside Turkey while granting Turkish passports to its senior leadership. Hamas, which has operated inside Turkey since 2011, uses its base there to procure funds. The U.S. Treasury Department has accused Hamas of smuggling more than $20 million through a currency exchange in Istanbul.

Turkey’s stance on the Arab-Israeli conflict is emblematic of its duplicitous and hypocritical foreign-policy stance with its Western allies. While Ankara publicly vilifies Israel for its counterterrorism mission in Gaza, Turkish companies continue to trade with Israel. Many of the business owners who have sent more than 400 container ships to Israel since Oct. 7 publicly rebuke Israel while privately continuing to trade with their alleged foe. Similarly, Ankara routinely scolds Washington for its partnership with the Kurdish Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) based on the premise that the SDF is an offshoot of the PKK in Turkey.

While the SDF and U.S. officials have given widespread assurances that the SDF’s only mission is to eliminate Islamic State forces, Erdogan has unapologetically solidified his partnership with Hamas, a militant entity that unambiguously proved its barbaric bona fides on Oct. 7.

Despite this sorry record and the almost total erosion of support for Turkey in the U.S. Congress, policy officials across multiple administrations of both parties have refrained from imposing any serious costs on Turkey. This has largely been caused by a set of assumptions that consistently failed to result in long-term improvements in the bilateral relationship. They include the notion that Turkey, given its crucial geographical location is “too big to fail,” that if Washington consistently treats Turkey as a trusted ally it will behave like one, and the more recent hope that Turkey might play an important mediating role in the Russia-Ukraine war or as an intermediary in negotiations to release the Hamas hostages in Gaza.

In reality, continuing to operate this way will only lead to more rather than fewer crises in the bilateral relationship while Erdogan seeks to wring every possible advantage from events as they unfold, as his spoiler stance on NATO expansion revealed.

The Biden administration badly needs to develop a long-term strategy for managing a Turkey that, certainly if Erdogan remains in charge and perhaps even after that, is animated by a profoundly anti-Western populist nationalist ideology. At the same time, Washington policymakers need to bear in mind that Turkey remains a deeply divided society, and that Erdogan’s anti-Westernism represents the views of barely 50 percent of the population.

There are some experiences worth recalling in constructing a long-term strategy that imposes costs on the Erdogan regime while not unnecessarily disadvantaging the pro-Western half of Turkey’s population. First, when the U.S. government asked Turkey for assistance in lifting the Islamic State’s siege of Kobani, Syria, in 2014 and Turkey refused, Washington simply orchestrated the dropping of relief supplies that confronted the Erdogan regime with a fait accompli with no apparent damage to the bilateral relationship. Subsequently, Kurdish forces were allowed to transit through Turkish territory to reinforce their comrades around Kobani—a result that was only possible because Washington played hardball.

When the Turks shot down a Russian aircraft after it allegedly traversed Turkish airspace from Syria in 2015, the Russians declared a boycott on Turkish agricultural produce that led to a Turkish apology and no apparent damage to the bilateral relationship. When the Turks held U.S. citizen and pastor Andrew Brunson on questionable charges of aiding terrorism, the Trump administration raised tariffs on Turkish goods and imposed sanctions on two Turkish officials. Brunson was back in U.S. hands in short order. All of this suggests that steps to penalize Turkey and impose costs can be effective if pursued on a clear and consistent basis.

The recent decision to begin moving the process of Swedish accession to NATO through the Turkish Grand National Assembly suggests that Erdogan may have realized that his effort to extort the U.S. Congress into approving the sale of F-16s to Turkey may have been impeding the effort to secure F-16s more than it was helping.

Swift sanctioning of Turkish entities that are evading Western sanctions on Russia or illicitly funding Hamas and announcing those sanctions publicly is a minimum level of effort that the U.S. must condition the Turkish government and public to expect when Turkey engages in these kinds of anti-Western actions.

As Henri J. Barkey recently cautioned in Foreign Affairs: “Going forward, Washington should not just bandage surface wounds or seek to restore a golden age in U.S.-Turkish relations that never existed. By acting firmly and consistently, the United States can craft a new kind of relationship: a normal one.”

That is easier said than done. After all, a purely transactional foreign policy with allies does not come naturally to Americans who, as leaders of the Western alliance, have grown accustomed to turning the other cheek when a wayward ally such as Turkey indulges in anti-American rhetoric or anti-Western policies. But if the United States imposes no costs on Turkey for such behavior, it will only encourage more of the same by Erdogan and his cronies.

Setting clear parameters and enforcing them relentlessly is the only way to keep the relationship from dipping into the periodic crises that afflicted it over the past decade.

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over-the-time-flow · 8 months

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Pre-Chapter 5 Upgrades:

Excellence Striker:

Weapons: 4 -> 5

Frieden:

HP: 8400 -> 9200 Armor: 1050 -> 1100

Despite how clear we were about heading "straight for Japan" after last mission, Sara and Kid stop by to tell Jamil that, actually, we should probably stop somewhere. We'll need to stop by somewhere to refuel and to run some maintenance on the Frieden before we can jump right into a long-distance marine trip, so Jamil reroutes our course so as to stop in Shanghai first.

Meanwhile, Garrod's with Tiffa, apologizing for what happened in the last battle. He mentions that he doesn't really understand newtypes all that well, but he's trying his best. Interestingly, Tiffa says she never really thought of herself as one; see, in this world, the use of newtypes as tools of war is so deeply ingrained into how people view them that it feels weird to refer to Tiffa, who for all intents and purposes is a civilian, as one. Of course, that too is a manifestation of how newtypes as a group have suffered, and undoing that damage is also part of Jamil's sworn mission. For him, it is a matter of principle that Tiffa be allowed a normal, peaceful life. And that peaceful life will start once they arrive in Japan, Noin says!

On that topic, Fa's curious; how come Japan specifically was able to sustain so little damage during these tumultuous times? Raj interjects, seemingly having done his homework and then some on the topic. See, this era is what is known as a technological boom for Japan especially. Between photonic, super-electromagnetic, getter, and other alternative energy sources, Japan is in the midst of a veritable gold rush. Though none of these have been adopted in terms of full-scale infrastructure due to being TOO powerful, they are rather far along due to researchers enjoying a high degree of freedom, even during the previous wars. For a long time, colony nations have been trying to attract talent in these fields so they can harness it themselves and acquire further indepence from the Earth, but this effort has been mostly unsuccessful. Even Getter Rays, widely known to be easier to collect in space, hardball these offers; this unity is in an effort to uphold the uneasy peace we enjoy today. If the colonies are too afraid to nip these scientific breakthroughs in the proverbial bud, it's an extra deterrent against particularly destructive attacks on the Earth, such as large scale colony drop operations, and (...)

RAJ YOURE SCARING THE HOES

With Raj blissfully unaware of his social awkwardness, Raul has to step in. See, Raj is what you'd call an energy... enthusiast. He's very well-versed in energy sources (especially ones from our current golden age of energy development), their applications, the political climate surrounding them, and the like. And because of his deep understanding of the subject matter, he's prone to get a bit overeager when it comes up.

Having seemingly ignored the whole thing, Tiffa tells Garrod she had a dream; she dreamt of a giant blue robot and a giant monster fighting. This may not just be the results of Tiffa falling asleep while watching Pacific Rim, however, as Tiffa's dreams are sometimes prophetic.

Some days later, the Frieden is in Shanghai, and almost done with its preparations to set off to Japan. Jamil confirms that the ship is setting off the day after the next, which Witz seems to be glad to hear. On being prodded by Roybea on the matter, he reveals:

Witz: "I was sold these down at the pub. Tickets to Dark Pro Wrestling."

DEEP♂️DARK♂️WRESTLING

Tonya, seemingly interested in "extreme" stuff like that, basically invites herself, but no one else seems interested. Strangely, she asks Garrod if he doesn't wanna come, but he says he wants to be by Tiffa's side. Interested in teasing him a bit, she says he could bring her and then comfort her when she gets scared, which flusters Garrod enough for Amuro to step in and tell her to lay off of him.

Raul isn't interested either, leaving Witz a bit awkward at the prospect of having to go 1 on 1 with Tonya... but not enough to cancel the trip.

Later, at their impromptu wrestling date, Tonya and Witz find themselves amazed at Go Ichimonji, the underground wrestling champ, who has just knocked out 4 people in a row! Who's next on his platter?

Just then, the next challenger, who had taken his time to get there, collapsed before even making it onto the ring. And behind him stood Go's last-minute new challenger:

A man in a beat-up black gi? He says he easily knocked out Go's would-be fifth challenger, and thinks he'll be much more fun of an opponent than that weakling. They quickly get to blows!

During their brawl session, Go calls him an old man, prompting him to angrily introduce himself as Ryoma Nagare! They get back to business, and it seems like Go has gotten the upper hand.

Stepping out of the shadows, a man in a trenchcoat notes that Go has met his expectations. Go assumes he's another last-minute entry, but the man, who goes by Hayato, just exposits about Go's background. He's 17, and fell into the world of underground wrestling after his parents died in an attack by the Dinosaur Empire when he was little. Go isn't exactly ecstatic to find out he has a stalker, but Hayato just continues talking, saying he's just like Ryoma, in turn upsetting Ryoma.

More than happy to speak over people, Hayato just asks him what he thinks of Go. Despite his protests, Ryoma does say Go's definitely good enough, since he managed to fight him evenly... but Hayato doesn't think that Ryoma's skill level as of now is that high of a measuring stick, pissing off Ryoma once more.

Witz, not feeling like he's getting his money's worth, yells for them to just get the action going again, further pissing off Go, who was already frustrated at these two old men just up and deciding to talk about him as if he wasn't there. But before this can escalate into some sort of four-way brawl, a blast shakes the entire venue.

Witz and Tonya get the hell out of there, while Hayato stays just to tell Go one thing:

"Go Ichimonji, if you can't survive this, you have no future."

#srw r #super robot wars r #lets-play #translation

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rimouskis · 2 years

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Genuinely in shock that somehow we kept Rusty Tanger and Geno. Like before the off-season I was already accepting the fact that we’d lose one of them (at least).

Also somehow Raks too????

I feel like if this experience taught me anything, it's that I don't trust the media worth a damn. I am so frustrated with how this went down from every single angle, and (not to sound like a right wing nut) the media made it ten thousand times worse.

I was genuinely and seriously in "of course geno will come back :)" land when left to my own devices. it was only when I started reading the Panic Pieces from our Dear Favorite Writers that I actually got nervous. then they started publishing, like, multiple articles within 48 hours of each other, escalating in severity and fear. it was ridiculous, and so much of it was.... bunk? absolutely bungled? ill-sourced?

to me it seemed evident that some writers had lost most, if not all, inside connections that they previously had, and that tanked their "inside knowledge" considerably. now: that's not the writers' fault, but that doesn't obligate them to publish rumors, spit on 'em to shine 'em up, and call 'em likely, you know?

like, no one fucking knew about the rusty deal. which: fine, GMRH is quiet, alright, but that it took EVERYONE by surprise isn't how we're used to things going around here, and it threw off basically every reporter's estimation of how this summer would go. and THEN the tanger deal, which was like... basically unbelievable if your impression was garnered from the media (who all agreed that the pens would lose tanger this summer barring a miracle and personality replacement for kris). I was shocked, and that's when I knew something was seriously up, because I had taken some reporters' opinions earnestly and they were being proven wrong on multiple points in VERY short order, and it made their articles look kinda goofy in hindsight.

that's not to say I'm unsympathetic; I know people who have worked in News for years, some who have recently lost their jobs and livelihoods and crafts-of-30-years because of the shuttering of newspapers and traditional reporting. I know that, unfortunately, news is a business and these people need clicks. I don't doubt for a SECOND that this entire ordeal was a fantastic opportunity for them financially. I think it sucks, but it's a reality of the job, and I'm willing to understand it.

however: the geno situation got so, so, so out of control.

good god some of those articles were becoming clickbaity as shit, lol. it got pretty ridiculous at the end, and even though we ALL were sitting here like "alright cool, so geno and the pens are playing hardball with each other and using their favorite weapons on each other: The Media", that doesn't mean that those very-much-intentionally-leaked things didn't cause a ton of stress, ahaha.

I was convinced—CONVINCED—that Geno's "I'm going to free agency, you bastards" move was him DEMANDING that hextall blink first, but that doesn't change the facts that: he said he was open to testing the market, he could have gotten a great offer, and he could have taken it. I don't think he threw that threat down lightly, but I really truly honestly (my friends will tell you) believed that that move was him using the last thing in his arsenal. I could be wrong! he really could have (and by a lot of current indications, did) mean that as an earnest "fuck you, I'll go", but my poor little optimist heart was clinging onto that idea, and I will fully accept and admit that geno was absolutely waging psychological war on the pens front office, very intentionally, in an attempt to

get what he wanted(/deserved) and

make them look bad.

anyways, back to my point: I was genuinely doing really well (yay, disassociation and blind necessary optimism) if I didn't read any media pieces on the situation, and because of my belief that those pieces were written with both a lack of real knowledge of the situation (NO ONE FUCKING KNEW GENO WAS GOING TO SIGN. NO ONE LEAKED IT. NO INSIDERS. THE PENS POSTED IT.) and the intent to drive traffic during an intense and, yes, dramatic moment...

well, we'll just say that in addition to side-eyeing the fuck out of the pens front office/org, I will also be gazing upon several beat reporters skeptically for a hot minute.

#this is long sorry #ANYWAYS this is to say:#same I had resigned myself that we were losing rusty AND kris #and then we lost neither #and then almost lost geno #and it was: A Lot #ask #anonymous

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avo-kat · 2 months

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Reddit will let “an unnamed large AI company” have access to its user-generated content platform in a new licensing deal, according to Bloomberg yesterday. The deal, “worth about $60 million on an annualized basis,” the outlet writes, could still change as the company’s plans to go public are still in the works.

ok thats bad (tho not surprising), but, whats even worse and i havent heard about before:

The news also follows an October story that Reddit had threatened to cut off Google and Bing’s search crawlers if it couldn’t make a training data deal with AI companies. The rumor’s source told The Washington Post then that the company “can survive without search.” Whether or not that’s true — after all, one of the best ways to get around SEO spam in search results is to add the word “Reddit” to your search query — Reddit has shown that it’s willing to play hardball before.

well, im glad i got to experience a useful internet for a short period of time in my life, at least. sorry to everybody henceforth.

ok, ok, no need to panic

its basically inevitable that companies/services/websites that are useful and grow big enough just start to turn shitty. (see enshittification of everything).

and there will be obviously replacement once something sucks too hard and ppl leave and look for alternatives.

but its so fucking annoying, man.

so in general: every website will steal and use ur shit, wether openly or secretly. every FREE service is paid for by user data. thats just how it is.

just pick what u can live with and look into alternatives; especially for browers, or uploading original content.

#i really got register an email thats not google man

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fmaauditors · 3 months

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Are there any recent changes in VAT regulations that businesses need to be aware of in Dubai?

Stay Compliant, Stay Competitive: Navigating the Evolving Landscape of Dubai's VAT Regulations

Ever since its introduction in 2018, Value Added Tax (VAT) has become an integral part of the business landscape in Dubai. While the 5% levy might seem straightforward, navigating the constantly evolving regulations can feel like threading a maze. So, what's new in the world of Dubai's VAT in 2024? Buckle up, business owners, because we're about to take a deep dive into the recent changes you need to be aware of to stay compliant and competitive.

Reporting Revamp: No More Hiding from Errors

Remember the days when only significant VAT return errors needed disclosure? Well, those days are gone. Since March 1, 2023, full transparency is the name of the game. Every single discrepancy, no matter how small, must be reported to the Federal Tax Authority (FTA). Fear not, though! Voluntary disclosure can save you from hefty penalties, so fess up early and avoid future headaches.

E-Invoicing: The Future is Digital

Get ready to embrace the digital age, because the future of VAT compliance is paperless. Businesses exceeding AED 375,000 in annual turnover will soon be required to implement e-invoicing. This is a phased rollout, with full adoption mandatory by January 1, 2026. While the exact timeline for specific sectors is still to be announced, it's time to start familiarizing yourself with electronic invoicing systems to ensure a smooth transition.

Tightening the Belt on Imported Services

Are you sourcing services from overseas? Brace yourself for stricter scrutiny. To combat potential loopholes, the FTA is cracking down on input credit claims for imported services. Make sure you have proper invoices from your service providers that meet all the legal requirements, or your input credit claims might get rejected.

Freebies for Family: Not Always Tax-Free

Sharing is caring, right? But when it comes to providing free goods or services to related parties, things can get a little tricky. While previously deemed supplies often triggered VAT liability, the amended regulations offer some relief. You may not have to pay VAT on such transactions if your recipient company can fully recover the input credit. Consult a tax advisor to understand the nuances of this exemption and avoid any unpleasant surprises.

Tax Audits with an Extended Shelf Life

Did you make a mistake on your VAT returns? Don't fret, you can still correct course. Voluntary disclosure remains your friend, but be prepared for the FTA to take a closer look. After disclosing errors, the authority now has five years instead of three to conduct an audit, giving them more time to scrutinize your books. Transparency and proactive steps go a long way in mitigating potential penalties.

Evasion Evisceration: Don't Let the Taxman Knock

The FTA is playing hardball with tax evasion. Penalties for deliberate non-compliance are harsher than ever, so playing it fast and loose with your VAT obligations is not worth the risk. Stay informed, seek professional guidance if needed, and prioritize accurate, timely filing to keep the taxman at bay.

Beyond the Headlines: Staying in the Know

It's not enough to just digest the latest headlines. Understanding the nuances of these changes and their implications for your specific business is crucial. Here are some additional resources to keep your knowledge base up-to-date:

Dubai's dynamic business landscape thrives on constant updates and adjustments, keeping entrepreneurs on their toes. This dynamism extends to the realm of taxation, with the Value Added Tax (VAT) regulations undergoing periodic refinements. While the January 2023 amendments marked a significant milestone, staying abreast of these changes is crucial for businesses to avoid costly missteps and optimize their VAT compliance.

So, what's new in the world of Dubai VAT? Let's delve into the recent regulations and explore why partnering with a dedicated VAT registration consultancy in Dubai can be your best bet for navigating this evolving terrain.

New Reporting Requirements:

Error Disclosure: Since March 2023, all VAT return errors, regardless of amount, must be promptly disclosed to the Federal Tax Authority (FTA). Ignoring this mandatory disclosure can lead to hefty fines, making meticulous record-keeping and error vigilance more important than ever.

E-invoicing: Get ready for the digital wave! Businesses exceeding AED 375,000 in annual turnover will face a phased implementation of mandatory e-invoicing starting July 2023, culminating in full adoption by January 2026. Embrace this shift for greater transparency and streamlined tax processes.

Enhanced Compliance Measures:

Import of Services: Claiming input credit for services acquired from overseas providers demands stricter invoicing procedures. Ensure your invoices meet the FTA's detailed requirements to avoid losing out on legitimate tax claims.

Deemed Supplies: Worried about VAT implications for supplying goods or services to related parties for free? Recent clarifications offer relief under certain conditions. A VAT registration consultancy can guide you through these nuanced regulations and maximize your compliance efficiency.

Beyond Regulations:

Tax Audits: Voluntary disclosure of errors extends the FTA's audit window from 3 to 5 years. While transparency is encouraged, be prepared for potential follow-up inquiries.

Tax Evasion Crackdown: The FTA is tightening its grip on deliberate non-compliance. Stay informed and consult a professional to ensure your business practices meet the highest standards of ethical and financial transparency.

Why Partner with a VAT Registration Consultancy in Dubai?

Navigating these intricate VAT regulations can be daunting for businesses, especially when juggling operational demands. This is where a qualified VAT registration consultancy in Dubai steps in to be your invaluable guide and guardian.

Here's what a skilled consultancy brings to the table:

Expertise and Updates: With their finger on the pulse of the ever-evolving VAT landscape, they offer comprehensive expertise and keep you informed about the latest regulations and interpretations.

Streamlined Registration: From eligibility assessments to application preparation and FTA liaison, they handle the entire registration process with efficiency and accuracy, saving you time and stress.

Compliance Optimization: From bookkeeping audits to customized compliance strategies, they ensure your business adheres to all regulations, minimizing the risk of penalties and audits.

Proactive Guidance: Whether facing complex VAT scenarios or seeking strategic tax optimization, they provide tailored advice and actionable solutions to navigate your specific challenges.

Investing in a VAT registration consultancy is an investment in your business's future. It's about maximizing your VAT efficiency, minimizing compliance risks, and freeing up your valuable time and resources to focus on what matters most - driving your business forward in Dubai's dynamic market.

So, don't let the maze of VAT regulations hold you back. Partner with a trusted VAT registration consultancy in Dubai and unlock a smoother, more compliant, and ultimately, more prosperous journey for your business.

Remember, in Dubai's VAT landscape, knowledge is power, and collaboration is key. Make an informed decision today and let a trusted consultant guide you towards VAT success.

Remember, knowledge is power in the game of VAT compliance. By staying informed, adapting to the evolving regulations, and seeking professional advice when needed, you can ensure your business stays competitive and compliant in the ever-changing landscape of Dubai's VAT regime. So, put on your compliance hat, embrace the digital future, and navigate the maze of regulations with confidence. Success in the Dubai marketplace awaits!

#vat registration uae #vat services #vat registration consultancy dubai #dubai #vat

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businesspr · 4 months

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Britain’s dangerous game of constitutional hardball

In seeking to override the U.K.’s highest court, Rishi Sunak’s government is following other nations in a trend that can damage democracy, experts say. source https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/13/world/europe/sunak-rwanda-constitutional-hardball.html

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ailtrahq · 7 months

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Once abundant with crypto activity, the East Asia digital asset market is facing a cooldown. Chainalysis, a blockchain analytics company, notes in its report that the last few years remain notable in terms of declining affairs. The activity declined after the Chinese government played hardball with the market. Currently, East Asia accounts for nearly 9 percent of the global crypto market. A Tailwind For East Asia Crypto Market Crypto activity took a nosedive between Q1 and Q3 2020 in East Asia. By that time, the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region saw rising crypto affairs. The report mentions that East Asia may experience a potential tailwind through Hong Kong (HK). Chainalysis cites HK’s improving relationship with China could possibly lead to this. Trading and mining activities in China primarily provided an uplift to crypto activities in East Asia. Source: Chainalysis Hong Kong’s crypto sector received $64 Billion in cryptocurrencies from July 2022 to June 2023. However, South Korea and Japan lead these metrics with over $1 Trillion worth of digital assets received. A better part of Hong Kong’s crypto sector is driven by its over-the-counter (OTC) market. Moreover, the nation enjoys a major portion of institutional crypto transactions ($10 Million or more) in contrast to any other country the report mentions. South Korea falls short in the category but tops Professional investments (between $10K to $1 Million). Japan appears most in line with the global averages according to Chainalysis. China is seeing 73.5 percent of crypto activity through centralized exchanges (CEXs) followed by South Korea. South Korea is witnessing only 26.1 percent of activity from decentralized exchanges (DEXs). The report mentions that TerraLuna’s collapse might be the reason for this. Meanwhile, Hong Kong’s activities are coming from DEXs only, same goes for Taiwan. Chainalyis highlights China was home to the most active crypto markets until it cracked down in 2020. However, recent developments indicate that the Chinese crypto sector might be picking up pace again and Hong Kong may be a testing ground. A couple of OTC firm founders acknowledged “a diverse array of use cases power crypto adoption in China and Hong Kong,” the report reads. Hong Kong On Its Way To Become a Crypto Hub In July 2023, the Hong Kong government announced they would establish a Task Force to promote Web3 development in the country. Entrepreneur and angel investor Yat Siu is appointed as an official member of the team. He said, “It is a real honor to serve both Hong Kong and the Web3 community in a common cause to advance the development of our industry.” The cryptocurrency market is down today with market capitalization losing over 2% in the past 24 hours. Bitcoin (BTC) was down by more than 2% while Ethereum (ETH) was down by nearly 4%.

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league1news · 8 months

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Sam Asghari Threatens To Release ‘Embarrassing’ Info About Britney – League1News

Sam Asghari is reportedly playing hardball following his alleged split from Britney Spears after a year of marriage. According to an August 16 report by Page Six, a source told the outlet Wednesday that the model is “attempting to negotiate concessions beyond his prenup and threatening to go public with extraordinarily embarrassing information about Britney unless he gets paid.” They added, “So…

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#Asghari #Britney #Embarrassing #Info #League1News #Release #Sam #Threatens

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rebeleden · 1 year

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Judge Judy 'Played Hardball' for Pay Raise: Sources

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ruthhole08 · 1 year

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Trigger Point Massage

The massage which targets the trigger points of the muscle can be the most effective. Even though it's not the most soothing massage, many people feel relief following one therapy. Trigger points, painful areas in the muscles which cause pain when pressure is applies to them, can be called trigger points. The aim of trigger point massage is release this knot and eliminate the discomfort that comes with it. The knots in your muscles can result because of injury, poor posture, or overuse. A trigger point massage can aid in relieving soreness and discomfort and improve your overall energy. The trigger point is an extremely small and hardball located in a muscle. Although it does not cause tension or discomfort, trigger points can be pain-inducing. It's the most common source of all kinds of pain. Trigger points massage can help ease this painful. Massage trigger points can assist alleviate pain if performed properly. This method is effective as well as safe. The fundamental strategies can be learned in less than a day. It is suggested to receive the trigger point massage two times a day at and ideally at least. The massage should also include movements for mobility and stretching the region to ease trigger points in the future. As a bonus the trigger point massage will assist you in relaxing and resting. It will also increase circulation around the trigger point and help be able to move around freely. This therapy can be helpful for anyone suffering from trigger points which is persistent. Typically, trigger point massages are carried out twice in a day or half a dozen every day. It is not necessary to undergo an auto-massage at the trigger point if you have no health issues. Apply pressure directly to any area you are experiencing discomfort. This is the best method to pinpoint the trigger spot. You should feel relief right away. To avoid any further pain it is possible to perform an a few self-massages between sessions. The trigger point massage is an effective way to reduce tension and increase blood flow. For those who are suffering from chronic painful joints will find this method extremely beneficial. This therapy should be done every day. But, it's important that you choose a professional with special knowledge of trigger point therapy. It is recommended to read the manual before you test this method. If you don't know what trigger point massage means then you should purchase a book related to the topic. For those suffering who suffer from chronic discomfort, trigger point massage is very beneficial. A trained trigger point masseuse will target particular trigger points to reduce pain. The trigger points will release when you apply pressure to the area that is affected. Massages are beneficial to those suffering from arthritis and different medical issues. It is helpful in relieving various body-related pains. The massage can be beneficial for treating many illnesses. The principal purpose of trigger point massage is to reduce the responsiveness of the muscle tissues to trigger points. During a treatment, the targeted muscles are massaged using pressure. This can be done repeatedly until the discomfort ceases. Applying pressure frequently to trigger points trigger point massage can alleviate pain and aid in healing. This will help prevent further suffering. The method can be used for those suffering from long-term pain. There are numerous trigger point massage techniques that you can study more about the technique by studying a trigger point therapy book. You can also learn how to do trigger point massages on your own. When a trigger is triggered, you can use your body's reflexes to relieve it. When tension is correctly applied, the muscles will relax and ease pain. Massage the trigger points further in case you're experiencing discomfort. The amount of pressure applied on the trigger point will depend on the type that trigger points. Use an expert masseur for trigger points to gently massage the trigger points in your body. The pressure of the massage may differ from person to individual. But the greater it is the better the outcomes. When you focus on trigger points, it is possible to release the trigger points and prevent pain from coming back. When you do this, you won't be feeling better but you will be preventing these trigger points from recurring again.

#new blog

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imissgrantland · 1 year

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My Wife Says My New Girlfriend Isn’t Hot Enough for Me

Should I play hardball? Source: My Wife Says My New Girlfriend Isn’t Hot Enough for Me

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werindialive · 2 years

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Pakistan to pull out of the ODI world cup next year if India refuses to travel to Pakistan for the Asia Cup

On Tuesday, Pakistan threatened the cricket fraternity that they would pull out of the next year's World Cup in India after India denied to go to Pakistan to play the Asia Cup. BCCI secretary Jay Shah in a statement said that he wants the cricket competition to happen on neutral grounds.

The next edition of the Asia Cup next year is decided to be held in Pakistan as per Asian Cricket Council's executive board and Shah is the president of the Asian Cricket Council.

On Tuesday, after the BCCI AGM in Mumbai was concluded, Shah addressed the media and said that "India will play the Asia Cup at a neutral venue." as per the sources close to PCB chairman Ramiz Raja, after the statement, Pakistan is considering pulling out of the 50-over ICC World Cup in India. "The PCB is now prepared to take hard decisions and play hardball because it is also aware that the ICC and ACC events will have to face commercial liabilities and losses if Pakistan does not play India in these multi-team events," a senior PCB official told the media on the conditions of anonymity.

India and Pakistan do play against each other but since 2008, India hasn’t traveled to Pakistan. Pakistan also came to India in 2012 for a short six-match white ball bilateral series.

There was no official statement for Shah’s statement from PCB.

"We have nothing to say at the moment but yes we will look at things and take up this matter at appropriate forums like the ICC board meeting in Melbourne next month," a spokesperson said. For more cricket news in Hindi, subscribe to our newsletter.

#werindia #leading india news source #top news stories #cricket news in Hindi #cricket news #live cricket score #indian cricket team #latest cricket news

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mmorgslim · 2 years

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Lil sammie songs

Lil sammie songs professional#

Lil sammie songs tv#

5 on The Kelly Clarkson Show, where he performed the fan-favorite tune “What About Us.” Sammie is the hitmaker behind fan-favorite tunes including “You Should Be My Girl,” “Come With Me” and “Kiss Me Through the Phone.” He also released collaborative hits including “Times 10″ featuring Lil Baby and “Good Life” featuring Rick Ross.

Lil sammie songs tv#

Led by singles “Shine on the World,” “Go Get It” and “What About Us” featuring Sevyn Streeter, it also boasts star-studded features from Brandy, Teedra Moses, The Game, Kierra Sheard and Dom Kennedy.Īlso ahead of the Vibes on Vibes Tour, Bellinger made his TV debut with his appearance on the CW’s The Black Pack. Bellinger also made his daytime talk show debut Jan. The tour comes in celebration of Bellinger’s Grammy nominated album, New Light. The 15-song, 44-minute project is nominated for the 2022 Grammy Award for best progressive R&B album. James Online) Explicit Gotta Make It Out - EP · 2018 Im Ready (feat. 12) tickets go on sale to the public on Friday. Earnings and Net Worth accumulated by sponsorships and other sources according to information found in the. Explore Times 10 lyrics, translations, and song facts. Discover exclusive information about 'Times 10'. Pre-sale tickets will be available for purchase beginning Wednesday (Jan. 'Times 10' is American song released on 24 December 2020 in the official channel of the record label - 'RAPTRAX'. After performing in major cities including Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Portland, New Orleans and bustling New York, Grammy nominated Bellinger’s Vibes on Vibes Tour is slated to conclude in Birmingham, Ala. and is regarded as the singer's signature song.The 27-city musical adventure is set to kick off in Atlanta on Friday, March 11. Cathing Feelings Lyrics Lil' Sammie: Now you wanna catch the feelings, Now you wanna catch the feelings, (Just a bit older now), Now you wanna catch the feelings, Now you wanna catch the feelings, (And I wonder why why). He was only twelve years old when he recorded the song. It peaked at number 8 on the Billboard Hot R&B Singles chart and number 24 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song was released as the album's lead single in late 1999 and certified gold by the RIAA. Sammie Songs List Everlasting (CD) Released in 2019 12.70 Add to Cart Tracks of Disc 1 1.29 on iTunes 1. Letra de I LIKE IT de Lil' Sammie: Yeeeaaaahhhhhh, Gurl i wish that i could, spend time wit u, each and every day. It was written by producer Dallas Austin for his debut studio album, From the Bottom to the Top (2000). Sammie was blessed with a voice that propelled him atop of Billboard R&B/Hip Hop song charts at just the tender age of 13. Fittingly, Sammies first singing triumph also occurred at church at age four, he received a standing ovation for his performance of 'Troubles Dont Last Always. So when trapsoul became a thing, I loved it instantly. Collaboration helps, and this 'Times 10' record was a collaboration with Fresh Ayr, but ultimately, I embrace and enjoy all music. Hero Lil' Sammie: Many people have their own, Definition for a hero, Mine just happen to be, The ones that brought me, Into this world, So this song is dedicated to you, Dear Mom.

Lil sammie songs professional#

His mother, a former professional singer, sang in the church choir while she was carrying him. I honestly just love music and the way it changes over time. " I Like It" is the debut single from American R&B singer Sammie. Miamis preteen R&B singer Sammie was exposed to music even before he was born. JSTOR ( June 2015) ( Learn how and when to remove this template message).Unsourced material may be challenged and removed.įind sources: "I Like It" Sammie song – news and Rich Gang: Hawaii 5.0: He Raps, He Sings: Heavenly Father Fat Joe and Lil Wayne: Heavyweight: Hello Brooklyn 2. He’s back with a new single and a new body. Hard Life Juvenile, Big Tymers and Lil Wayne: Hardball Lil Wayne, Sammie, Lil' Zane and Bow Wow: Hardbody: Haters Are Haters: Have It Your Way Birdman, Lil Wayne, T.I. He was just a 12 year old kid with a voice when he was first introduced to the world in ’99, but time has passed and dude has the ladies going crazy at 29 years old. Aaah, Its like a breath of fresh air DJ Pain One You got the sauce, girl, I cannot forgo. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. You might not remember Lil Sammie by name, but you may remember his 1999 hit, I Like It. This article needs additional citations for verification.

#Lil sammie songs

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