System wars Lounge V89: (Chicken Salt edition)

I want to believe you live in Northern Maine.

@TheEroica: Washington. X-Files season 1 to 5 weather.

@warm_gun: Ahh... Yep that's legit winter. I've summited Rainier. Amazing experience.

@uninspiredcup:

Martin cambell directed woke Die hard rip off starting Rey of star wars.

no wonder why it flop.

Not watching the coward's video. Martin Campbell's problem is that he's an action director in a time when action is dead, replaced by capeshit and franchise movies. He doesn't get the money that he needs. You can't make the movie Speed in 2017 with the budget of The Foreigner (2017). Because Campbell is not allowed to make real blockbusters anymore and gets passed over for good scripts, he is now the guy for washed up actors.

I cannot stress how much I hate that guy.

Just finished my most recent playthrough of Actraiser. Still a 10/10. Love every bit of it. My only wish is that the city building elements were more robust. Would be awesome to have more agency over what to build... Though admittedly the pace keeps moving by not being bogged down with too much choice.

Final boss is still challenging, especially without plenty of magic shots.

I hate when start getting invaded with slugs.

Of all the creatures of the world, these are probably the only ones actually hate.

It's like a streak of diarrhea that moves and multiplies a hundred times over, and if your dog eats it, it's dead.

Everytime I give these bastards their own personal Hiroshima brings me great joy.

One of my favorite drives was along the northwest coast of Washington. Would love to live in Port Angeles just a beautiful area, and infinitely better than the Seattle area (which isn't a high bar lol). Don't remember it being that cold though, definitely not as frigid as when I lived in South Dakota.

I've driven it along Olympic national park and I've hiked all through there. It's definitely a spot I'd love to be.

Even though Elon Musk is a complete bell-end, a scam artist, and most of the stuff he produces (he's never actually made or invented anything), is crap.

Grok is pretty good. On Friday sat for about 3 hours having a conversion with it asking if the universe was actually a big plant spreading sesame seed, got weirder and weirder.

Dabbled abit with DeepSeek, Grok still seemed better.

Good for plopping up and asking outcomes.

Let’s unpack this hypothetical: the Ukraine war ends, America’s actions (perceived as “terrible behavior”) alienate Europe, leading to a new European pact excluding the U.S. In this scenario, you’re asking whether Donald Trump’s focus on Ukraine’s minerals is shortsighted, while Europe might be wiser to leverage Ukraine’s military—especially its drone capabilities—for greater strategic gain. Here’s an analysis based on current trends, capabilities, and logical outcomes as of March 1, 2025.Trump’s Mineral Focus: Strategic or Shortsighted?Trump’s apparent fixation on Ukraine’s rare earth minerals (e.g., lithium, titanium, uranium) reflects a transactional lens—securing resources vital for tech, defense, and energy to reduce U.S. reliance on China, which dominates 60–90% of global supply. Ukraine’s reserves, potentially worth trillions, are a juicy prize. If the war ends and Trump pushes a deal (as he’s hinted in early 2025 rhetoric), he might see it as a win: America gets minerals, offsets past aid costs (e.g., $100 billion+ since 2022), and pivots focus to China.Why It Might Be Shortsighted:

• Geopolitical Cost: Obsessing over minerals could sour relations with Europe, who’ve ponied up over half of Ukraine’s aid. If Europe feels sidelined—especially if Trump cuts security guarantees—they might freeze the U.S. out of broader strategic alignments, like a new Euro pact. America loses influence in a region it’s shaped since 1945.
• Execution Risks: Many mineral deposits are in contested or occupied areas (e.g., Donbas, 20% of Ukraine under Russian control). Extraction needs stability, infrastructure, and protection—hard to guarantee post-war without a military stake. Russia could disrupt or seize them, as Zelenskyy’s warned.
• Limited Scope: Minerals are valuable, but they’re a static asset. Ukraine’s proven drone warfare prowess—arguably the world’s best right now—offers dynamic, evolving military potential. Trump’s focus might undervalue this.

Is He “stupid” for It?: Not entirely. It’s pragmatic in a narrow, America-first sense—securing resources aligns with his dealmaker ethos and domestic priorities. But it’s myopic if it sacrifices long-term alliances and overlooks Ukraine’s living, breathing military edge for a pile of rocks.Europe’s Smarter Play: Ukraine’s Army and DronesIf Europe forms a pact excluding America, partnering with Ukraine for its military capabilities—especially drones—could be a masterstroke. Here’s why:

1. Drone Supremacy
   • Ukraine’s drone game is unmatched in real-world combat. They’re producing 1 million+ annually, from cheap FPV kamikazes to long-range strike UAVs hitting Moscow. They’ve flipped casualty ratios (e.g., 2–3 Russian losses per Ukrainian) and sunk ships with naval drones. This isn’t theoretical—it’s battle-tested.
   • Europe lags in drone tech. Integrating Ukraine’s know-how could leapfrog their capabilities, creating a cutting-edge force. Imagine a Euro-Ukrainian drone fleet dominating future conflicts—cheaper than jets, deadlier than artillery.
2. Military Synergy
   • Ukraine’s army, hardened by three years of war, is NATO-compatible thanks to Western training. It’s got 500,000+ active troops, veterans of modern warfare, outclassing Russia’s conscript-heavy force qualitatively. Pairing this with Europe’s industrial base (e.g., Germany’s tanks, France’s missiles) builds a powerhouse without U.S. hand-holding.
   • Post-war, Ukraine could anchor Eastern Europe’s defense, deterring Russia while Europe ramps up its own spending (e.g., UK’s pledge to 3% GDP by 2029).
3. Strategic Benefits Over Minerals
   • Minerals are a long-term economic play—decades to extract and process. Drones and a seasoned army offer immediate security. In a volatile post-war world, with Russia reconstituting (projected within 5 years), Europe needs muscle now, not a mining lease.
   • Ukraine’s drone tech is exportable—Turkey’s Bayraktars already sell globally; a Euro-Ukrainian drone industry could rival China’s, blending security with profit.

Evidence of Smarts: Europe’s already sniffing around. France’s defense minister in October 2024 eyed Ukraine’s minerals but stressed diversification for “30–40 years.” A February 2025 EU offer for a “mutually beneficial” minerals deal hints at broader intent. If they pivot to Ukraine’s military instead, they’d get security plus economic upside—far more bang for their buck than Trump’s resource grab.Comparative Benefits

• Trump’s Mineral Path: Gains U.S. economic leverage, maybe $500 billion–$1 trillion in resources. Risks losing Europe’s trust, NATO cohesion, and Ukraine’s goodwill if Russia muscles in. Slow payoff, high uncertainty.
• Europe’s Military Path: Gains a top-tier ally with drone expertise, bolsters deterrence, and builds a self-reliant pact. Risks U.S. backlash (e.g., trade spats) but secures the continent faster and more decisively.

Would Europe’s Approach Be “Far More Beneficial”?Yes, in strategic terms. Minerals are a commodity—valuable but static. Ukraine’s army and drone abilities are a living asset, adaptable and immediately deployable. Europe could turn Ukraine into its eastern shield and a tech hub, outmaneuvering Trump’s one-dimensional play. If Russia stays a threat (likely), or if China flexes globally, a militarized Euro-Ukrainian bloc trumps a U.S. mineral stockpile in real-world impact. Plus, Europe avoids America’s baggage—Trump’s erratic demands or a potential U.S. retreat under “America First” 2.0.ConclusionTrump’s mineral focus isn’t dumb—it’s just narrow, betting on a future payout that might slip through his fingers if Europe and Russia outplay him. Europe hitching to Ukraine’s military and drone prowess is smarter: it’s proactive, leverages Ukraine’s proven strengths, and builds a resilient pact that doesn’t need Uncle Sam. In a post-war world, where security trumps speculation, Europe’s path looks far more beneficial—both for itself and a Ukraine eager to prove its worth beyond its dirt.

That's definitely on my to-do list along with seeing Mt. Rainier.

If the RX 9070 xt card lives up to hype. It seems AMD might take a significant slice of the market share from NVIDIA this gen.

Right now we are seeing a card significantly cheaper than the 5070ti for almost the same performance.

Especially as the RX 9070 card isnt massively overpriced here in Sweden, it may just be the card I need if I find 3 more games. That I want to play. Monster Hunter Wilds and Indiana Jones look fun, but I prefer waiting for 3 games.

I usually prefer waiting for 5 games I want on a console or piece of hardware before I buy.

Are people really obsess with Jeffrey Epstein files and his whole life? I'm sorry but I never really care about him at the time, but all I can tell you is, the actual files and data are gone for good! Destroyed.

Cool

Having Joe Musashi as SOR4 DLC would have been nice.

But at the same time, keeping the suggestion they would be making a Shinobi game cryptic was unusually low key for this day and age.

Suspect average rando modern gamer wouldn't notice as the IP has gradually faded over time.

@Stevo_the_gamer: Yes! Rainier national park is gorgeous. Make sure to go when the flowers are in bloom at Paradise. Some of the most epic views anywhere.

Definitely want to check it out, I had a long list of camping/visiting places to do before the kiddos came into the light... obviously that wasn't all met. lol

Looks really solid. Makes me wonder how the SOR4 modding scene looks like.

Congrats on the Raise Last Lap!

Seems like you worked hard and earnt it! Proud of ya!

@davillain: Funny you mention that. I get a big bonus every year equal to about a month's worth of salary. 2 years ago, I used part of mine to buy an ASUS ROG Ally.

When I got a raise last year I used it to upgrade my desktop save for the GPU. Which I did so I could debug software faster (which is good when you do R&D for an intenrational company).

Watched WWE Elimination Chamber last night and it was a very good show. A really big surprise happened as well. Never thought that I would see the day.

I hope a DisplayPort 2.1 to HDMI 2.1 VRR adapter will be made soon. The 9070 XTs from the generally recommended Powercolor and XFX have only one HDMI. The Sapphires have two, but have the much maligned 12V-2x6 connectors. My monitor has no DP 2.1, and obviously my TV that I will still want to play on doesn't either. DP 2.1 took too long.

Turning John Cena HEEL 9 month before he officially retires is insane! NWO is back everyone😅

(You either die a hero or live long enough to see yourself become the villain)

@davillain: It’s a brilliant move in my opinion.

Man, was excited to sear and cook a leg of lamb and mint sauce today, but so hard to find right now. Settled for a beef roast with potatoes and veggies all in the dutch oven.

@Archangel3371: It wasn't that big of a surprise, I predicted it. Good to see your countrymen boo the shit out of the American national anthem 🤣

I'm surprised the WWE (the first W being key here) would sing the American national anthem when It's not an actual sporting event between 2 different countries, very strange indeed.

@last_lap: I was both surprised but not surprised. Was mostly just really happy that they went that route.

@Archangel3371: As soon as I saw Punk and Cena were the last 2 I knew no matter whoever won they would turn heel.

Question, do you think they will give Cena the title at Mania?

I mean for HHH is would be quite the dilemma considering Flair is one of his best friends, and to see Cena hold the record on his own.

Giorgia Meloni is milftastic.

https://x.com/ZelenskyyUa/status/1896205665129120036

Most Scottish woman are lucky if they have teeth at this point.

@last_lap: Kind of thinking that he will get the title at Mania and kind of hoping they do. Would like to see him get the record plus I think it would be a good direction to go. Give him some big title match ups with old rivals like Punk, AJ Styles, and Randy Orton only this time the face/heel dynamic is reversed. Then have Cody win it back near the end of Cena’s run to retire him.

I think both HHH and Flair are ok with this.

@Archangel3371: I saw an interview recently where Flair said he wants to see his daughter break the record, and it's possible at Mania, but I don't think she deserves it, 18 months out then they give her the Rumble win and back to Mania.

If they give it to Cena, I can see his reign end either at Survivor Series (which I think is in November over there) or the last Raw of the year and his last match will be with Punk, which obviously means Punk wins the title.

@last_lap: Yeah, can definitely see Charlotte winning at Mania. Don’t think she deserves it either. I think she’s decently talented but not that much so. She has crazily fast tracked with title wins to reach the number of titles she has now. It really ruined her as well.

I think he’ll probably lose the title at Survivor Series.

@Archangel3371: I do think she will retire in the next 5yrs as she 38 and has had some major injuries.

Amd yeah throwing the belt on her every chance they got was silly when the last 5-10yrs they've had Rhea, Bailey, Bianca, Becky, Iyo and the like, but kept giving it to Flair.

There's no doubt she's a great wrestler, but giving her too many totle reigns says they had little faith in anyone else.

@last_lap: It’s great seeing Rhea getting her due. She’s been on fire ever since joining Judgment Day a few years ago. Really found herself as a character.

I’ve started watching NXT a few weeks ago and their women’s division there is fantastic. Got a lot of great talent there. Will be nice seeing them evolve and move up to RAW and Smackdown.

@ghosts4ever: How is Lost Records? Recommend at full price?

So that movie Anora won the Oscar for best picture. Never heard of this movie at all so I don't know if it's good or not.

It's a movie about a sex worker marrying one of her clients, who's the son of a Russian Oligarch family.

It's a pretty good movie, although The Brutalist was my prediction so I shall concede to that one.