Philippine Imports & Exports

A lid can be turned into a crown, on a brighter note seems imports and exports will start moving again and the share market is certainly reflecting the 2 week truce. Time will tell as always until the next tantrum. An hourly event. quiet comical for an outsider but the dead and injured and infrastructure/housing costs? To what end? Embarrassing choices.

But OMO.

Cheers, Steve.

A lid can be turned into a crown, on a brighter note seems imports and exports will start moving again and the share market is certainly reflecting the 2 week truce. Time will tell as always until the next tantrum. An hourly event. quiet comical for an outsider but the dead and injured and infrastructure/housing costs? To what end? Embarrassing choices.
But OMO.

Cheers, Steve. - @bigpearl

It was already open to countries that rejected Trump's war.

Big Beautiful Pearl said . . . .A lid can be turned into a crown, on a brighter note seems imports and exports will start moving again and the share market is certainly reflecting the 2 week truce. Time will tell as always until the next tantrum. An hourly event. quiet comical for an outsider but the dead and injured and infrastructure/housing costs? To what end? Embarrassing choices

************************

I agree with you, since you don't what a Lid is you are a Lid, your master Fred might tell you.

Fred said . . . .  It was already open to countries that rejected Trump's war.

*****************************

Some ham radio operator you are. . . . Don't even know your a LID.

Flattery will get you everywhere Bob. You sir would have to be the most thin skinned lid I have ever talked to, no wonder you are brainwashed by the dump. Talk about fickle, just like your king dump and the blind that willingly follow stupidity. Look simply at the mess your king has created around the world and only crowned with a lid. I want my name on every thing, I'm going to sweep history out the door, all we in the world see is a foolish petulant child attempting to run what was the most powerful nation on this our earth, now? Many adversaries have been smiling for the last year.

OMO.

Cheers, Steve.

`

Anyway, we need to learn new warfare-techniques.

"Hypersonic Missiles at 1/10th the Cost"

"Ninety percent cost cut: Chinese civilian firm enters mass production of Mach 7 hypersonic missiles"

https://www.scmp.com/news/china/science/article/3334140/90-cost-cut-chinese-civilian-firm-enters-mass-production-mach-7-hypersonic-missiles

A private Chinese aerospace company has become the first in the world to start mass production of a low-cost, high-performance hypersonic missiles, suggesting a seismic shift in military technology and defence industrial dynamics.

On Tuesday, Beijing-based Lingkong Tianxing Technology released a video on its official social media account showcasing the YKJ-1000 hypersonic missile in flight and how it struck a real target in a desert testing range.

A company representative said the missile was already in mass production at just one-tenth the cost of traditional missiles.

The missile has a range of 500 klm to 1,300 klm (310 to 808 miles), reaches speeds of Mach 5 to 7 and maintains high-powered flight for six minutes.

(Note:  Mach 7 = 8,575.307 km/h = 5,328.250 mph)

The launch vehicle is designed to resemble a standard shipping container. In the video recording, the missile was transported by truck to a desert launch site, where it automatically deployed stabiliser supports from its four corners.

[Video] "Animated footage indicated the missile could identify targets mid-flight and autonomously evade threats, suggesting it could bypass defensive screens such as naval carrier strike groups or air defence systems. [And] Actual footage shows the missile successfully striking a ground target after a steep dive [End video]

Towards the end of the video, an animation depicted eight missiles flying in formation towards Japan, with multiple strike locations marked on a map highlighting the weapon’s operational range and coordinated strike capability.

The company representative said the missile did not require “a specialised launch vehicle and can be deployed from mobile platforms, including at sea”.

“It is designed for rapid precision strikes against high-value targets deep in enemy territory, while also [being] capable of high-speed reconnaissance using high-resolution sensors and real-time data transmission technology.”

When it comes to such missiles, the United States has spent decades and tens of billions of dollars through programmes led by defence giants like Boeing and Lockheed Martin, and are only now approaching initial hypersonic capability.

With its private firms now capable of producing military-grade hypersonic systems at scale, China may be entering an era in which advanced weaponry could be mass-produced just like drones and electric vehicles.

The YKJ-1000’s design resembles the company’s earlier Yunxing series of aircraft. It features a waverider configuration on top, housing a rocket engine, while the lower section is cylindrical, similar to conventional boosters.

Lingkong Tianxing Technology says its core mission is to turn advanced equipment into something affordable enough to be widely used.

The representative said Lingkong Tianxing Technology had established an independent technology chain covering aerodynamics, control systems, thermal protection and propulsion and that it had obtained relevant military industry certifications.

While the baseline YKJ-1000 is already in mass production, the private company is now focusing on developing an intelligent version, integrated with artificial intelligence and swarm coordination capabilities.

Historically, major weapons development in China has been led by state-owned enterprises or research institutes.

This launch may signal an expansion of that role to include private companies.

With robust production capacity, private sector involvement could significantly accelerate the output of Chinese military equipment. That seems also to explain the missile’s low cost.

The representative said Lingkong Tianxing Technology’s “core mission is to turn advanced equipment from a ‘luxury item’ into something affordable enough to be widely used”.

“By adopting readily available parts such as automotive-grade chips, leveraging established automotive production lines and utilising civilian construction materials, we have managed to cut costs to just one-tenth of those of conventional programmes.”

In an article published on its social media account on November 1, the company outlined its corporate vision.

It said global defence systems were shifting from “long-cycle, high-cost and highly specialised” to “low-cost, large-scale and autonomously intelligent” models.

Future warfare, it argued, would rely less on one or two expensive platforms and more on smart, uncrewed swarms – coordinated groups of low-cost, autonomous systems, similar to a bee colony.

The article said Lingkong Tianxing Technology had a solid foundation in this area having built an AI-driven production platform, and positioning itself alongside American “new defence” companies like Palantir Technologies and Anduril Industries.

“Leveraging a hypersonic test database, software algorithms, integrated supply chains and experience from over 100 successful deliveries, we are transitioning from R&D services to full missile system mass production,” it said.

The company has also been developing a civilian aircraft capable of sustained flight above Mach 5, with the goal of achieving “global reach within one hour”.

A test flight is projected for 2027, with a full-scale vehicle expected to complete flight tests by 2030.

--

Passionate about science? Dive deeper with the Dark Matters newsletter, a weekly in-depth analysis on China’s rise in science, technology and military that goes beneath the surface. Sign up for free now.

By Zhang Tong. Tong earned his Bachelor's degree from Tianjin University and Master's degree from the University of Washington. His major was Chemical Engineering and Data Science. He used to work as an editor of academic journals.

PalawOne  said . . .  Anyway, we need to learn new warfare-techniques."Hypersonic Missiles at 1/10th the Cost""Ninety percent cost cut: Chinese civilian firm enters mass production of Mach 7 hypersonic missiles"https://www.scmp.com/news/china/science/article/3334140/90-cost-cut-chinese-civilian-firm-enters-mass-production-mach-7-hypersonic-missilesA private Chinese aerospace company has become the first in the world to start mass production of a low-cost, high-performance hypersonic missiles, suggesting a seismic shift in military technology and defence industrial dynamics.On Tuesday, Beijing-based Lingkong Tianxing Technology released a video on its official social media account showcasing the YKJ-1000 hypersonic missile in flight and how it struck a real target in a desert testing range.A company representative said the missile was already in mass production at just one-tenth the cost of traditional missiles.The missile has a range of 500 klm to 1,300 klm (310 to 808 miles), reaches speeds of Mach 5 to 7 and maintains high-powered flight for six minutes.(Note: Mach 7 = 8,575.307 km/h = 5,328.250 mph)The launch vehicle is designed to resemble a standard shipping container. In the video recording, the missile was transported by truck to a desert launch site, where it automatically deployed stabiliser supports from its four corners.[Video] "Animated footage indicated the missile could identify targets mid-flight and autonomously evade threats, suggesting it could bypass defensive screens such as naval carrier strike groups or air defence systems. [And] Actual footage shows the missile successfully striking a ground target after a steep dive [End video]Towards the end of the video, an animation depicted eight missiles flying in formation towards Japan, with multiple strike locations marked on a map highlighting the weapon’s operational range and coordinated strike capability.The company representative said the missile did not require “a specialised launch vehicle and can be deployed from mobile platforms, including at sea”.“It is designed for rapid precision strikes against high-value targets deep in enemy territory, while also [being] capable of high-speed reconnaissance using high-resolution sensors and real-time data transmission technology.”When it comes to such missiles, the United States has spent decades and tens of billions of dollars through programmes led by defence giants like Boeing and Lockheed Martin, and are only now approaching initial hypersonic capability.With its private firms now capable of producing military-grade hypersonic systems at scale, China may be entering an era in which advanced weaponry could be mass-produced just like drones and electric vehicles.The YKJ-1000’s design resembles the company’s earlier Yunxing series of aircraft. It features a waverider configuration on top, housing a rocket engine, while the lower section is cylindrical, similar to conventional boosters.Lingkong Tianxing Technology says its core mission is to turn advanced equipment into something affordable enough to be widely used. The representative said Lingkong Tianxing Technology had established an independent technology chain covering aerodynamics, control systems, thermal protection and propulsion and that it had obtained relevant military industry certifications.While the baseline YKJ-1000 is already in mass production, the private company is now focusing on developing an intelligent version, integrated with artificial intelligence and swarm coordination capabilities.Historically, major weapons development in China has been led by state-owned enterprises or research institutes. This launch may signal an expansion of that role to include private companies.With robust production capacity, private sector involvement could significantly accelerate the output of Chinese military equipment. That seems also to explain the missile’s low cost.The representative said Lingkong Tianxing Technology’s “core mission is to turn advanced equipment from a ‘luxury item’ into something affordable enough to be widely used”.“By adopting readily available parts such as automotive-grade chips, leveraging established automotive production lines and utilising civilian construction materials, we have managed to cut costs to just one-tenth of those of conventional programmes.”In an article published on its social media account on November 1, the company outlined its corporate vision.It said global defence systems were shifting from “long-cycle, high-cost and highly specialised” to “low-cost, large-scale and autonomously intelligent” models.Future warfare, it argued, would rely less on one or two expensive platforms and more on smart, uncrewed swarms – coordinated groups of low-cost, autonomous systems, similar to a bee colony.The article said Lingkong Tianxing Technology had a solid foundation in this area having built an AI-driven production platform, and positioning itself alongside American “new defence” companies like Palantir Technologies and Anduril Industries.“Leveraging a hypersonic test database, software algorithms, integrated supply chains and experience from over 100 successful deliveries, we are transitioning from R&D services to full missile system mass production,” it said.The company has also been developing a civilian aircraft capable of sustained flight above Mach 5, with the goal of achieving “global reach within one hour”. A test flight is projected for 2027, with a full-scale vehicle expected to complete flight tests by 2030.--Passionate about science? Dive deeper with the Dark Matters newsletter, a weekly in-depth analysis on China’s rise in science, technology and military that goes beneath the surface. Sign up for free now.By Zhang Tong. Tong earned his Bachelor's degree from Tianjin University and Master's degree from the University of Washington. His major was Chemical Engineering and Data Science. He used to work as an editor of academic journals.

***************************

Your Chinese hypersonic missile could have reached the Philippines in less time it took to read your post.

In 1949 the first to reach hypersonic speeds was a two stage rocket the German V2 & American Bumper Wac, it reached Mach 7.3

in the 1950's the US developed ICBM's that achieved Mach 20. That's 75 years ago and over 15,000 mph.

Big Beautiful Pearl said . . .Flattery will get you everywhere Bob. You sir would have to be the most thin skinned lid I have ever talked to, no wonder you are brainwashed by the dump. Talk about fickle, just like your king dump and the blind that willingly follow stupidity. Look simply at the mess your king has created around the world and only crowned with a lid. I want my name on every thing, I'm going to sweep history out the door, all we in the world see is a foolish petulant child attempting to run what was the most powerful nation on this our earth, now? Many adversaries have been smiling for the last year.

****************************

I hope everyone gets to read your tirade, even you when you sober up in the morning.

Big Beautiful Pearl said . . .Flattery will get you everywhere Bob. You sir would have to be the most thin skinned lid I have ever talked to, no wonder you are brainwashed by the dump. Talk about fickle, just like your king dump and the blind that willingly follow stupidity. Look simply at the mess your king has created around the world and only crowned with a lid. I want my name on every thing, I'm going to sweep history out the door, all we in the world see is a foolish petulant child attempting to run what was the most powerful nation on this our earth, now? Many adversaries have been smiling for the last year.

****************************
I hope everyone gets to read your tirade, even you when you sober up in the morning. - @Enzyte Bob

What has happened inthe mideast makes it clear what an apocalyptic terror regime behaves like. Lacking fear of death and destruction, and so far it has mostly destruction of their military hardware only, (why does the pope care about that?), they were willing to sacrifice their women and children on the bridges and power plants. Trump is cast as the evil one yet Trump does not fire on civilians, just hardware such as missiles, drones, launchers and weapons factories. People seem to have lost perspective, blinded basically by their hatred for the resident living rent free in their brains, Donald Trump. So we are at a standoff with Iran who doesn't react like regular enemies do; they do not care about military defeat and nobody knows what can motivate them to NOT build nuclear missiles. Possibly, Trump acted too late. Maybe that lunatic regime generation 2 or 3 will end up with nukes AND ICBMs that can reach Australia, Europe and SE Asia. But Trump tried to stop him while you tried to stop Trump. One thing I know for sure  is that the US will never get hit and if those lunatics tried, they would be turned into a sea of glass. However, they will use a nuke on Israel for sure so Israel will have the pleasure of glassifying  the place. I feel very sorry for the people. Their only hope is to overthrow but they are unarmed and their government fires live ammunition at them at will.

in the 1950's the US developed ICBM's that achieved Mach 20. That's 75 years ago and over 15,000 mph.  - @Enzyte Bob

Haha Bob ... AI says: "ICBMs typically reach speeds of approximately Mach 20 to Mach 23 (about 15,000–17,500 mph) during the terminal phase of their flight as they re-enter the atmosphere."

Old multi-million dollar ICBMs mainly falling to earth

As might 57 Chevys reach such velocity falling to earth.

Ready for horizontal-streams of  $1k AI rockets now?

No, no-one is. Happy trails.

Ps: If Trump is leader of the free world, why is no one following him?

@PalawOne

Ps: If Trump is leader of the free world, why is no one following him?

I never really took you as a political person like Steve or Fred but you are. So tell me, if Trump is NOT the leader of the free world, who is? Fred and Steve might say China. The so-called free world of NATO, Australia, South Korea and Japan decided not to support a now former ally in order to appease Iran. The net effect as far as I can see is to drive Americans into further isolation which I think is a good thing. It works. We are self sufficient and do not need anything from your countries. It can only benefit us in the long run so to your question "why is no one following him" the answer would be that they wish to see the end of a man they hate, of USA leadership. The consequence? We just do not give a damn. Go and embrace China and their superior tech and EVs and watch them steal your IP if you have any, and your jobs. Good luck with that.

PalawanOne bumpy trailer said . . . .

in the 1950's the US developed ICBM's that achieved Mach 20. That's 75 years ago and over 15,000 mph.  - @Enzyte Bob
Haha Bob ... AI says: "ICBMs typically reach speeds of approximately Mach 20 to Mach 23 (about 15,000–17,500 mph) during the terminal phase of their flight as they re-enter the atmosphere."

Old multi-million dollar ICBMs mainly falling to earth

As might 57 Chevys reach such velocity falling to earth.

Ready for horizontal-streams of $1k AI rockets now?

No, no-one is. Happy trails.

Ps: If Trump is leader of the free world, why is no one following him?

****************************

Iran's Shahab-3, Ghdar & Emad missiles reach the height as the international space station, so how do they return to earth? Using your reasoning, it's just behind that 57 Chevy.

As per your question "If Trump is the leader of the free world, why is no one following him"?

danfinn "splained' that to you . . . . . Comprende?

Dan writes,Tell me, if Trump is NOT the leader of the free world, who is? .. The so-called free world of NATO, Australia, South Korea and Japan decided not to support a now former ally in order to appease Iran. The net effect as far as I can see is to drive Americans into further isolation which I think is a good thing. It works. We are self sufficient and do not need anything from your countries. It can only benefit us in the long run so to your question "why is no one following him" the answer would be that they wish to see the end of a man they hate, of USA leadership. The consequence? We just do not give a damn. Go and embrace China and their superior tech and EVs and watch them steal your IP if you have any, and your jobs. Good luck with that.- @danfinn

Dan, you know, most of the world still wants to like and trust America.

Your elected President makes it difficult, even for we countries he likes.

Do you really not give a dam? All we need is for you to reign-in one idiot.

How hard for you is that? This era will damage you, and our earth's future.

Kind regards to you and everyone!

I have just taken a minute to read the last page of this thread. It's just name calling and kids' playground style "nar nar nars".

No point banging you head against a brick wall P1. Time reveals all.

As for Americans 90% are thinkers and love em we do as they are also caught up in the sh1te. the other 10% we won't go there.

Happy in the Philippines

Dan writes,Tell me, if Trump is NOT the leader of the free world, who is? .. The so-called free world of NATO, Australia, South Korea and Japan decided not to support a now former ally in order to appease Iran. The net effect as far as I can see is to drive Americans into further isolation which I think is a good thing. It works. We are self sufficient and do not need anything from your countries. It can only benefit us in the long run so to your question "why is no one following him" the answer would be that they wish to see the end of a man they hate, of USA leadership. The consequence? We just do not give a damn. Go and embrace China and their superior tech and EVs and watch them steal your IP if you have any, and your jobs. Good luck with that.- @danfinn
Dan, you know, most of the world still wants to like and trust America.

Your elected President makes it difficult, even for we countries he likes.

Do you really not give a dam? All we need is for you to reign-in one idiot.

How hard for you is that? This era will damage you, and our earth's future.

Kind regards to you and everyone! - @PalawOne

Unbelievable that you do not give a damn about the reason for the invasion.

Question: Trump's personality aside, please answer: Is it OK for that lunatic, apocalyptic regime in Iran to possess warheads to fit on their ICBMs?

Simple question, yes or no?

please answer: Is it OK for that lunatic, apocalyptic regime in the US to possess warheads to fit on their ICBMs?

Simple question, yes or no? - @danfinn

No

Is it OK for that lunatic, apocalyptic regime in Iran to possess warheads to fit on their ICBMs?

Simple question, yes or no? - @danfinn

Yes. They need a defence capable of putting the loony US off attacking them again.

Sadly, Iran has no ICBMs or nukes to tip them off with, so your question is a rant.

However, the US has never attacked a county able to return fire to the US - See the definition of coward - so it's a pity they don't have them.

That would have been saved from the terrorist attack they have suffered over the last month.

The Betoota Advocate  7 hours ago

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1AumbJCQ9y/

NO ONE THOUGHT ABOUT WRITING IT DOWN HUH:

Less than a day after coming to terms on a historic ceasefire deal, the world is once again watching on in dismay.

This comes after it's been revealed that there are as many versions of events regarding the story - as a drunken fight in the middle of a hen's party.  (Aussie for bride's party)

Confusingly, all sides of the conflict have seemed to offer up different accounts of what was agreed, with Lebanon being one of the contested issues.

The inclusion of Lebanon in the ceasefire has already become an issue, with Israel bombing them barely hours after something (which is yet to be clarified) was agreed to.

Iran says Lebanon were apart of the ceasefire deal, while America and Israel say it wasn't.

However, JD Vance has admitted Israel need to 'check themselves,' in what might be an indication that Lebanon probably was included in the deal.

Shockingly though, no one other than the people on the call actually know what the f*ck was agreed to, because apparently no one thought about writing it down.

Which is kind of odd given the global economy is on fire and a potential giant and prolonged regional conflict is at stake here.

However, none of us have negotiated ceasefire deals so we probably can't have opinions on seems like the right and wrong thing to do.  More to come.

Comments

Mick Jones

Israel breaks every ceasefire - has for decades - there is no misunderstanding

7h Reply James Fisk

Lebanon was included in the ceasefire according to the Pakistanis, who brokered the peace deal

6h Reply Maris Luidmanis

Maybe they just wrote down ‘apart’ instead of ‘a part’? Easy mistake, probably just in a hurry or translation error.

--

Meanwhile, the town petrol stations are (briefly) out of diesal

PalawOne cut & pasted . . . .

The Betoota Advocate 7 hours agohttps://www.facebook.com/share/p/1AumbJCQ9y/NO ONE THOUGHT ABOUT WRITING IT DOWN HUH: Less than a day after coming to terms on a historic ceasefire deal, the world is once again watching on in dismay.This comes after it's been revealed that there are as many versions of events regarding the story - as a drunken fight in the middle of a hen's party. (Aussie for bride's party)Confusingly, all sides of the conflict have seemed to offer up different accounts of what was agreed, with Lebanon being one of the contested issues.The inclusion of Lebanon in the ceasefire has already become an issue, with Israel bombing them barely hours after something (which is yet to be clarified) was agreed to.Iran says Lebanon were apart of the ceasefire deal, while America and Israel say it wasn't.However, JD Vance has admitted Israel need to 'check themselves,' in what might be an indication that Lebanon probably was included in the deal.Shockingly though, no one other than the people on the call actually know what the f*ck was agreed to, because apparently no one thought about writing it down.Which is kind of odd given the global economy is on fire and a potential giant and prolonged regional conflict is at stake here.However, none of us have negotiated ceasefire deals so we probably can't have opinions on seems like the right and wrong thing to do. More to come.CommentsMick JonesIsrael breaks every ceasefire - has for decades - there is no misunderstanding7h Reply James FiskLebanon was included in the ceasefire according to the Pakistanis, who brokered the peace deal6h Reply Maris LuidmanisMaybe they just wrote down ‘apart’ instead of ‘a part’? Easy mistake, probably just in a hurry or translation error.Meanwhile, the town petrol stations are (briefly) out of diesal

***************************

PI have you ever thought of paraphrasing an article, instead of cutting & pasting, then give your opinion?

"The Betoota Advocate which FB published the article is Australia's version of the Onion.

@Fred

They have ICBMs capable of hitting Diego Garcia and UK. Sadly? Fred, I don't really care. At this point I say the US should leave Iran and let the apocalyptic mullahs do what they will, they will never succeed in hitting the USA which in 20 minutes could turn them until silicon dioxide (glass).  US get out of NATO. Get out of the Iran theater. We were too late to stop them. Too bad but I don't give a damn anymore.

@Enzyte Bob Quoting a left wing source exposes P1 political leanings. Let Iran get nukes. Only the US, mideast GCC allies and Israel have interceptors to shoot them down. America need not be concerned about these former allies anymore.

@Enzyte Bob Quoting a left wing source exposes P1 political leanings. Let Iran get nukes. Only the US, mideast GCC allies and Israel have interceptors to shoot them down. America need not be concerned about these former allies anymore. - @danfinn

Rather melodramatic .. just human .. not right nor left

My sources are a popular Aussie comedy / parody site

You make sad and sorry predictions? Like Trump does.

"Let Iran get nukes" not, would take one missile a year?

End of story, world calms down, good business resumes

Happy trails     

@Enzyte Bob Quoting a left wing source exposes P1 political leanings. Let Iran get nukes. Only the US, mideast GCC allies and Israel have interceptors to shoot them down. America need not be concerned about these former allies anymore. - @danfinnRather melodramatic .. just human .. not right nor leftMy sources are a popular Aussie comedy / parody siteYou make sad and sorry predictions? Like Trump does."Let Iran get nukes" not, would take one missile a year?End of story, world calms down, good business resumesHappy trails  - @PalawOne

You sort of answered my question, implying eu disagree with my prediction (sad and sorry in your words) about what the hard line regime will do with nukes once the get them. I think they crave using them, first on Israel. Total elimination of Israel and the US has been their stated goal for 47 years. You don't care, I do, as I am from the US, you are not.  That is the basis of our disagreement. There is really nothing more to discuss. But iron dome technologies are pretty good now and it is likelying we could repel them.

Dan writes, "Let Iran get nukes?" I am from the US, you are not. That is the basis of our disagreement. There is really nothing more to discuss. But iron dome technologies are pretty good now and it is likelying we could repel them". - @danfinn

Well explained and understood

And the arms race need continue

Always to threaten rather than use

Happy trails Dan and everyone

@PalawOne

You're a gang of three, you, bigpearl & Fred. Maybe more that are silent. What sets bigpearl & Fred apart from you, they have their sources and they form their opinions and tell us.

You have no, nada, none opinions but cut & paste, you could have an opinion & why don't you state your opinion and if challenged, put up the link of your source?

Bigpearl & Fred to their credit tell us their post is an "opinion" which I can respect even though I mostly disagree with them.

Crying in a corner? Perhaps a tummy rub will help? This I believe is an open forum and we all have opinions like noses and pick them at will.

OMO.

Cheers, Steve.

big beautiful pearl said. . . . This I believe is an open forum and we all have opinions like noses and pick them at will.

****************************

Let me remind you dog, you can pick your nose, you can pick your friends, but you can't pick your friends nose.

As said Bob, flattery will get you everywhere.

Cheers, Steve.

Bob writes, @PalawOne .. You're a gang of three, you, bigpearl & Fred. What sets bigpearl & Fred apart from you, they form their opinions and tell us.You have no opinions, you could have an opinion & why don't you state your opinion? Bigpearl & Fred to their credit tell us their post is an "opinion" which I can respect even though I mostly disagree with them. - @Enzyte Bob

Well Bob, I've not mentioned this before, but I have three university degrees. One Bachelor Degree in Psychology, a Bachelor Degree in Social Media and a Masters Degree in Info Technology. All gained from different, but world-class, Melbourne Universities.

Plus, I should mention, one has also gained two Graduate Diplomas.

Bob, I married late in life, and always read A LOT. As such, I find that mostly, my opinions change frequently, with additional info, and further research findings.

So now, one rarely forms solid un-changing opinions.

Sorry, but for me, one much prefers to remain open-minded, allowing for and accepting new ideas / info. Hence Bob, I rarely have many permanent unchanging opinions, so why bother sharing with you or this forum my often ever-changing deeper thoughts?

Instead, I share information, and hence, suggest you form your own opinion.

so enough about me .. happy trails all

--

@PalawOne

This is no reflection on you, seems many times a really intelligent person has no common sense. Many times when I was in college some people with good memories  was mistaken for intelligence.

Unrelated I had an uncle who was a dentist who went to Cornell University. His classes were so slow and boring he hardly attended classes only showing up on exam day.

Another thing I find fascinating when so called experts are interviewed and in the background I see bookshelves wall to wall with books, the books were impressive but not them.

For example Professor Jeffrey Sacks prominent economist the boy wonder at Harvard and tenured  when he was 28.

Then there was Professor Allen Lichtman 13 keys to the White House, predicting every Presidential election since 1984. Whoops, missed this one.

These guys had many degrees.