Political Posts

[Spekulatius]

47 minutes ago, Parsad said:

 

We'll sell you the crops, but won't give you the land!  Also, the climate is going to be better in the Northern U.S. and Canada for some of your wine varietals...so we'll grow those and and sell to you as well.  Buy a bottle of Canadian Cabernet Sauvignon and we'll give you a gallon of water free!  Cheers!

We visited Lake Okanagan years ago and the wines there were surprisingly good. Some wineries had German heritage. i can highly recommend visiting this area.

[cwericb]

2 minutes ago, Blake Hampton said:

 

Canada would be ours faster than Parsad could type out another quip about his sweaty crotch.

I'm against invading Canada by the way.

 

Baloney, you would all freeze to death come February.

[adesigar]

2 minutes ago, cwericb said:

 

Baloney, you would all freeze to death come February.

More Americans live north of the 49th parallel than Canadians.

[cwericb]

2 minutes ago, adesigar said:

More Americans live north of the 49th parallel than Canadians.

 

Yeah, but most of them are friendlies. 

[NnnnotSoSmart]

1 hour ago, Parsad said:

 Buy a bottle of Canadian Cabernet Sauvignon and we'll give you a gallon of water free!  Cheers!

Wine Review: Eh?

 

Vineyards 2023 Canadian Cabernet Sauvignon –

 

“Maple Leaf Reserve” - This bold Canadian Cabernet Sauvignon from the frozen vineyards of Ontario (or perhaps that one plucky plot in British Columbia that pretends it’s Napa) pours a deep, almost apologetic ruby into the glass, the color of a Mountie’s jacket after a long winter of regrettable decisions. On the nose, it leaps forward with restrained enthusiasm, offering notes of blackcurrant, vanilla, and a distinct whiff of duty-free regret.On the palate, the wine delivers a medium-plus body that’s surprisingly assertive for something that probably spent its formative years under three feet of snow.

 

The fruit is there—ripe plum and cherry—but quickly yields to the unmistakable terroir of the Great White North. I detected clear echoes of poutine gravy (that salty, beefy umami that clings like snow to a parka), followed by a mid-palate surge of maple-glazed bacon that somehow pairs with the subtle char of a perfectly scorched Nanaimo bar crust. The tannins are firm yet polite, much like a Canadian apology delivered after accidentally bumping into you on the sidewalk.What truly elevates this Cabernet, however, is the haunting finish.

 

Just when you think it’s a straightforward New World red, it reveals a wild, gamey undertone that can only be described as moose droppings—earthy, slightly musky, with a lingering essence of “I just trekked through the boreal forest and this is what my boots tasted like.” It’s as if the grapes were gently misted with the essence of a majestic woodland creature that wandered too close to the fermentation tanks after a night of questionable lichen-based decisions. Overall, this is a wine of surprising depth, comic overtones and humorous in its presumptions, scoring a solid 87 points. Perfect for pairing with your next hockey riot or a quiet evening questioning your life choices while eating Kraft Dinner by candlelight. 

 

Grok is amazing.
 

Edited 14 hours ago by NnnnotSoSmart

[Spekulatius]

If you visit Niagara Falls, there is s string of wineries along the Lake on the Canadian side that has ver good ice wines. I got a few in my reserve. That‘s not something you can get in Napa or Sonoma.

 

They are also now impossible to get in Germany too since the winters are way to warm.

Edited 14 hours ago by Spekulatius

[cubsfan]

51 minutes ago, Blake Hampton said:

So everybody here knows how I think the future looks a bit grim. I also think that jurisdictional risk will become increasingly more important as our national politics continues to degrade. Law and order seems to be slipping further out of control by the day. The socialist movement will do nothing but gain strength:

ChiefExecutive.net: Best and Worst States for Business

 

 

and of course the worst:
 

 

We are a divided country for sure. It will get sorted out eventually, but it will be painful. 

 

It's highly unlikely that socialism will prevail here.

[cwericb]

2 minutes ago, cubsfan said:

 

We are a divided country for sure. It will get sorted out eventually, but it will be painful. 

 

It's highly unlikely that socialism will prevail here.

 

Hopefully not, but that pendulum has swung so far to the right with Trump's grab for presidential power it has changed the rules of the game, so watch out when it swings to the left.

[cubsfan]

10 minutes ago, cwericb said:

 

Hopefully not, but that pendulum has swung so far to the right with Trump's grab for presidential power it has changed the rules of the game, so watch out when it swings to the left.

 

We just exited our wild swing to the left with Joe Biden and his attempt at socialism - and that was no fun.   It can certainly get a lot worse with these lunatics like NYC & LA mayors gaining power.

[cwericb]

2 minutes ago, cubsfan said:

 

We just exited our wild swing to the left with Joe Biden and his attempt at socialism - and that was no fun.   It can certainly get a lot worse with these lunatics like NYC & LA mayors gaining power.

 

If you thought Biden was far left, buckle up.  If the US can't adapt to some sort of three, or multi party system, the future looks pretty dark. It seems everything now is extreme left or extreme right. Is there no one left in the middle?

 

I think there is, but they have no power because the right and left have moved to the extreme, especially the right under Trump. And all those changes that Trump has made towards dictatorship may very well come back to haunt the right if the left ever comes back into power. 

[Parsad]

2 hours ago, NnnnotSoSmart said:

Wine Review: Eh?

 

Vineyards 2023 Canadian Cabernet Sauvignon –

 

“Maple Leaf Reserve” - This bold Canadian Cabernet Sauvignon from the frozen vineyards of Ontario (or perhaps that one plucky plot in British Columbia that pretends it’s Napa) pours a deep, almost apologetic ruby into the glass, the color of a Mountie’s jacket after a long winter of regrettable decisions. On the nose, it leaps forward with restrained enthusiasm, offering notes of blackcurrant, vanilla, and a distinct whiff of duty-free regret.On the palate, the wine delivers a medium-plus body that’s surprisingly assertive for something that probably spent its formative years under three feet of snow.

 

The fruit is there—ripe plum and cherry—but quickly yields to the unmistakable terroir of the Great White North. I detected clear echoes of poutine gravy (that salty, beefy umami that clings like snow to a parka), followed by a mid-palate surge of maple-glazed bacon that somehow pairs with the subtle char of a perfectly scorched Nanaimo bar crust. The tannins are firm yet polite, much like a Canadian apology delivered after accidentally bumping into you on the sidewalk.What truly elevates this Cabernet, however, is the haunting finish.

 

Just when you think it’s a straightforward New World red, it reveals a wild, gamey undertone that can only be described as moose droppings—earthy, slightly musky, with a lingering essence of “I just trekked through the boreal forest and this is what my boots tasted like.” It’s as if the grapes were gently misted with the essence of a majestic woodland creature that wandered too close to the fermentation tanks after a night of questionable lichen-based decisions. Overall, this is a wine of surprising depth, comic overtones and humorous in its presumptions, scoring a solid 87 points. Perfect for pairing with your next hockey riot or a quiet evening questioning your life choices while eating Kraft Dinner by candlelight. 

 

Grok is amazing.
 

 

Canadian and now owned by Fairfax...I buy a case every Christmas!  Cheers!

 

Black Hills Estate Winery’s Nota Bene is a celebrated, Bordeaux-style red blend known for its rich, structured, and age-worthy profile . While traditionally crafted with Okanagan Valley fruit , recent vintages source premium Walla Walla grapes. The wine is prized for complex dark berry flavors and pairs wonderfully with steak. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7]

Recent Vintage Reviews & Profiles

Recent releases have continued to cement Nota Bene’s legacy as an iconic Canadian-crafted wine: [1, 2]

• 2024 Nota Bene (Hiatus Collection): Sourced from the Walla Walla Valley (43% Merlot, 34% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Cabernet Franc) , it brings mineral tension and Walla Walla power . Critics find aromas of black cherry, wild blackberry, and dried herbs, leading to a balanced palate with espresso and crushed stone . [1, 2]
• 2022 Nota Bene: A classic, 95-point stunner (46% Merlot, 36% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Cabernet Franc) . Wild-yeast fermented and aged in French oak , experts highlight generous red currant, plum, and spice . It is remarkably age-worthy and structured to cellar for decades. [1, 2, 3]

Tasting & Aging Expectations

• Aroma Profile: Black currant, dark cherry, graphite, and subtle baking spices.
• Palate: Rich and concentrated, moving from firm, grippy tannins in its youth to a polished, velvety finish with air.
• Cellaring Potential: Depending on the specific vintage, Nota Bene can be cellared beautifully for 10 to 20+ years.
• Food Pairings: Exceptional alongside premium cuts of beef, such as a well-marbled ribeye, chateaubriand, or savory ribs. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]

You can explore vintage availability and purchase options directly through the Black Hills Estate Winery store.

 

[Parsad]

2 hours ago, Spekulatius said:

If you visit Niagara Falls, there is s string of wineries along the Lake on the Canadian side that has ver good ice wines. I got a few in my reserve. That‘s not something you can get in Napa or Sonoma.

 

They are also now impossible to get in Germany too since the winters are way to warm.

 

One of the biggest wineries and ice wine producers now owned by Fairfax!  Drink up, drink up!  Cheers!

[cubsfan]

8 hours ago, cwericb said:

 

If you thought Biden was far left, buckle up.  If the US can't adapt to some sort of three, or multi party system, the future looks pretty dark. It seems everything now is extreme left or extreme right. Is there no one left in the middle?

 

I think there is, but they have no power because the right and left have moved to the extreme, especially the right under Trump. And all those changes that Trump has made towards dictatorship may very well come back to haunt the right if the left ever comes back into power. 

 

The country has moved left over time. The old democrats no longer exist - that party of Bill Clinton and Joe Liberman disappeared completely with the radicalism of Barrack Obama.  And this new socialist democrat party has taken over. 

 

MAGA basically represents the values of Ronald Reagan - traditional conservative values.

 

I would love you to define Trump's move toward dictatorship because it's silly.  Separation of powers in the USA are working just fine. Congress and the Courts are a big check on Trump's executive powers.

[73 Reds]

10 hours ago, Blake Hampton said:

 

Also something to keep in mind is some of these states' stupid ass pension policies. I think people are gonna be

10 hours ago, Blake Hampton said:

 

Also something to keep in mind is some of these states' stupid ass pension policies. I think people are gonna be drowning in taxes in the future. That is, if it's true that money doesn't grow on trees.

drowning in taxes in the future. That is, if it's true that money doesn't grow on trees.

Blake, thanks for posting that.  As a resident of one of the two best states to do business, "invest local" is and has been a very good theme.  To the person/company, everyone I do business with is highly optimistic about the future.   A friendly suggestion for you:  Move to a business-friendly State; it might just change your outlook. 

[boilermaker75]

9 hours ago, cwericb said:

 

If you thought Biden was far left, buckle up.  If the US can't adapt to some sort of three, or multi party system, the future looks pretty dark. It seems everything now is extreme left or extreme right. Is there no one left in the middle?

 

I think there is, but they have no power because the right and left have moved to the extreme, especially the right under Trump. And all those changes that Trump has made towards dictatorship may very well come back to haunt the right if the left ever comes back into power. 

 

I agree even if the third party is much smaller it would probably force compromises to get anything passed. It could be a party in the middle and called the Common Sense party.

[73 Reds]

28 minutes ago, boilermaker75 said:

 

I agree even if the third party is much smaller it would probably force compromises to get anything passed. It could be a party in the middle and called the Common Sense party.

I don't know, people, particularly non-US residents have been selling us short for our entire existence.  When have they ever been right?  With all its faults, our political system encourages freedom and success better than anywhere else.  Most people cannot even agree on the definition of "common sense" so where would it get us?

[Castanza]

11 hours ago, cwericb said:

 

Baloney, you would all freeze to death come February.

 

I no way do I support taking Canada or any aggression towards Canada. You guys have been great allies and more than carried your weight in the Middle East and countless other wars (necessary or not). So purely hypothetical....And I get it, you're a proud Canadian who's been fired up since Trump made those distasteful comments. 

 

But the idea that the US would struggle to "take" Canada is laughable at best. There is like 70k active duty and 30k reserves. Generally about 1/2 to 3/5 of an overall force would be support roles and not even combat related. The US has 3,500 active duty 75th Regiment Rangers and another 7,000 Tabbed Rangers. There is another 7,000 Green Berets, 2,900 Navy SEALs, and about 1,000 Special Tactics Operators in the Airforce. So looking at just forces focused on tactical missions or capture of strategic assets you're close to half of what Canada could even field. Then you have the real land forces with 171,000 Marines and 458,000 active duty Army Soldiers and another 500,000 in Reserve. This doesn't include any equipment like Battle Tanks US 4,000 vs CAN 100 and Combat Aircraft US 3,000 vs CAN 90. Then you have the general populace! The US has like 5 guns per citizen in private ownership. "Rifle behind every blade of grass." Canada has strict gun laws and pretty low ownership outside of hunting rifles. 

 

IF the US went to war with Canada, it would be a training exercise....

[boilermaker75]

22 minutes ago, 73 Reds said:

I don't know, people, particularly non-US residents have been selling us short for our entire existence.  When have they ever been right?  With all its faults, our political system encourages freedom and success better than anywhere else.  Most people cannot even agree on the definition of "common sense" so where would it get us?

 

It has worked well for 239 years, but the US Constitution does not prohibit a third party. It is the democrats and republicans that make it difficult for a third party.

[Castanza]

50 minutes ago, boilermaker75 said:

 

I agree even if the third party is much smaller it would probably force compromises to get anything passed. It could be a party in the middle and called the Common Sense party.

 

The problem is how campaigns are run and all the money requirements around advertising, debating, tv time etc. Tackling that problem would probably be one of the best things the US could do for long-term survival and to change course from the current Highway to Hell the two party system is paving. There is simple no incentive for anyone in either of those parties to do so. The appetite has always been there from the populace, but it has always lacked any assurance of success which keeps individuals from shifting that direction. I've voted third party the last two elections. In the Western World there seems to be a trend of new parties taking up the torch and actually beginning to carve out some small wins here and there. I cannot and will not speak to the views of said parties, but in the UK I saw the "Restore Britain" party has had some minor success. perhaps it's simply the sign of the times... 

[cwericb]

3 minutes ago, boilermaker75 said:

 

It has worked well for 239 years, ....

 

The world and humanity has drastically changed over the past 239 years.

[73 Reds]

9 minutes ago, boilermaker75 said:

 

It has worked well for 239 years, but the US Constitution does not prohibit a third party. It is the democrats and republicans that make it difficult for a third party.

That is true.  However a two-party system works because the pendulum rarely moves too far in either direction before it changes course.  I don't agree that the US is moving toward socialism because its greatest support comes from the young and inexperienced who eventually grow older, more experienced and value their hard-earned savings.  No different that any time in the recent past when welfare, government handouts and subsidies were always supported by the same groups who now support socialism.  The main issue is immigration reform.  Once we stop allowing anyone into this Country indefinitely, what many of us would now call "common sense" may well return.  

[cubsfan]

19 minutes ago, 73 Reds said:

That is true.  However a two-party system works because the pendulum rarely moves too far in either direction before it changes course.  I don't agree that the US is moving toward socialism because its greatest support comes from the young and inexperienced who eventually grow older, more experienced and value their hard-earned savings.  No different that any time in the recent past when welfare, government handouts and subsidies were always supported by the same groups who now support socialism.  The main issue is immigration reform.  Once we stop allowing anyone into this Country indefinitely, what many of us would now call "common sense" may well return.  

 

That pretty much hits the nail on the head. The current open call for "Democratic Socialism" by Mamdami and associates is waking up many Americans - Democrats included. It's not going to work - it will always be a fringe movement that repels most Americans.

[73 Reds]

5 minutes ago, cubsfan said:

 

That pretty much hits the nail on the head. The current open call for "Democratic Socialism" by Mamdami and associates is waking up many Americans - Democrats included. It's not going to work - it will always be a fringe movement that repels most Americans.

Yeah, it has never worked and everyone who supports it is not stupid, just naive.  The wealth gap has existed for my entire life and many years prior; it is nothing new and will likely continue on forever.  The current political socialist movement will run its course.  Otherwise we could have another civil war and we already survived that.

[cubsfan]

24 minutes ago, 73 Reds said:

Yeah, it has never worked and everyone who supports it is not stupid, just naive.  The wealth gap has existed for my entire life and many years prior; it is nothing new and will likely continue on forever.  The current political socialist movement will run its course.  Otherwise we could have another civil war and we already survived that.

 

The movement is brought on by the corruption of our teacher's union and universities - particularly the social sciences.

 

For decades, while most Americans were out working their butts off, raising their families and moving upward quickly in economic terms - our children were being brainwashed by toxic academics who taught the young to hate the very system that has given them so much prosperity.

 

It's so much easier to confiscate wealth rather than to put in the long time and hard work to earn it yourself over a lifetime.

 

Such is the intoxicating dream the young swallow from the education system about socialism/communism.

[73 Reds]

4 minutes ago, cubsfan said:

 

The movement is brought on by the corruption of our teacher's union and universities - particularly the social sciences.

 

For decades, while most Americans were out working their butts off, raising their families and moving upward quickly in economic terms - our children were being brainwashed by toxic academics who taught the young to hate the very system that has given them so much prosperity.

 

It's so much easier to confiscate wealth rather than to put in the long time and hard work to earn it yourself over a lifetime.

 

Such is the intoxicating dream the young swallow from the education system about socialism/communism.

A lot of it too comes from useless educations and degrees.  How many engineers, accountants, physicians (who actually treat patients), builders, tradespeople, business owners and entrepreneurs support socialism?  The common thread among all these groups is they don't make excuses or apologies for who and what they are.