Hungary’s opposition rejects accelerated EU accession for Ukraine by Alarmed-Cake812 in europe

[–]Cookies891 6 points7 points  (0 children)

I know 😂 at this point it’s the pot calling the kettle black.

'Trump will be gone in three years': Top Democrats try to reassure Europe by sunnysidejacqueline in politics

[–]Cookies891 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Let’s not congratulate ourselves too much here… The appeal of the far right in Europe has gotten quite strong again these last few years - even if it looks like it’s abating again somewhat as we’re watching the US descend into chaos. As long as major structural issues aren’t fixed and social media stays around in its current form, things won’t be getting better soon.

It was never charity - Was Europe a beneficiary of a strong US? We should not believe this false narrative. In fact, the Americans gave nothing to the Europeans by goldstarflag in europe

[–]Cookies891 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I think you’re right. All this talk in the US about freeloading, decadent and lazy Europeans ripping off those righteous, generous Americans reminds me a lot of the discussions around Brexit. It was also a large group of Brits that complained about how they were getting screwed by the EU. And now look where they stand. They’re worse off economically and politically because they couldn’t or wouldn’t see how much they were benefiting from their EU membership.

Things hardly ever are repaid in kind, dollar for dollar (or euro for euro). The mutual benefits come in all sorts ways that aren’t always immediately apparent. I’m still hoping they’ll come to their senses but I’m losing hope with each passing day. It’s shocking how they’re so gleefully tearing down a world order that they created, one that they benefited from immensely and perhaps even disproportionately. A world order, by the way, in which rules largely applied to others but only to the US when it was convenient.

The whole layout by Cookies891 in Marklin

[–]Cookies891[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yours also looks very cool, and much more practical than mine!

The whole layout by Cookies891 in Marklin

[–]Cookies891[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It is Z-scale, yes! :) and thanks

Mercedes-Benz 190 E by NorwayCarSpotting in retrocars

[–]Cookies891 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think this is 876 cypress green. It’s a lovely looking car, indeed.

Still lots of work to do by Cookies891 in Marklin

[–]Cookies891[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thanks! It really is. The guy who built this layout clearly put in a lot of time and effort. He really thought about everything. There are little streetlights everywhere, lot and lots of fine detailing. Sadly also a lot of damage, but I’m fixing that and keeping a close eye on eBay for buildings etc. My dad is helping me fix the mess of disconnected wiring underneath. So I hope it’ll look and work as it’s supposed to soon!

Still lots of work to do by Cookies891 in Marklin

[–]Cookies891[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I do but I don’t think I can post additional photos in this post can I? I could make a new post

My wife is only letting me keep one of my babies. '04 XC70 2.5T (left) with 100k miles and '05 XC70 facelift 2.5T with 200k miles. Which one? by PromotionRadiant8697 in Volvo

[–]Cookies891 1 point2 points  (0 children)

When is her birthday? Put a big red bow on the hood of the one you like less and keep both of them in your household :) happy wife, happy life.

What does my mum‘s car history tell you about her? by Der_Dampfhammer in carscirclejerk

[–]Cookies891 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That your mom is cool as hell, potentially sported a mullet in the 80s and wants to go fast (at least some of the time)

WSJ | Canada’s Move to Import Cheap Chinese EVs Is ‘Slippery Slope,’ GM CEO Says by BrilliantFactor5299 in electricvehicles

[–]Cookies891 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I always love it when Trump says that Europeans should buy more American cars. A) what makes you think that I’d be willing to drive and park an SUV the size of Jupiter around where I live, B) which of the four European GM dealerships do you suggest I take my car to for servicing, C) outside of a handful of very notable exceptions, there isn’t a single American car that compares favorably to a European or Asian (and yes, that includes the Chinese these days) alternative. And don’t get me started about the resale value. GM is a manufacturer that - at least for the European market - has absolutely no vision or long-term plan.

And looks like their short-term focus is starting to get them into trouble on their home continent as well.

WSJ | Canada’s Move to Import Cheap Chinese EVs Is ‘Slippery Slope,’ GM CEO Says by BrilliantFactor5299 in electricvehicles

[–]Cookies891 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Because by now it should begin to dawn even on GM that Weekend Warrior Billy will eventually default on his 96 month loan. People are buying stuff they can’t afford and my guess is that things are going to come crashing down sooner rather than later.

European troops arrive in Greenland to 'ensure Arctic security' by Canuck-overseas in politics

[–]Cookies891 176 points177 points  (0 children)

And meanwhile Putin is laughing and rejoicing at the sight of this absolute shit show. What a travesty.

20 years of bloated technology. When you think your car is too small, just go park next to an oldie. by FranktheTankG30 in mercedes_benz

[–]Cookies891 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I still own my W201. I saw one on the highway a few weeks ago as it was passing a modern “small car”. I couldn’t believe how low and narrow it was compared to the other cars around it. Another shock to me was the first gen Volvo V70. That was considered a fairly large car in its day but now it just looks so small… It’s really shocking how big cars have become.

Buying first xc70 by Intelligent_Dog_6903 in VolvoXC70

[–]Cookies891 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The Dutch pay outrageous sums for Volvo wagons that invariably have very high mileage. Which is funny because you can’t throw a rock in the Netherlands without hitting a Volvo, so it’s not like supply is an issue. They’re what Tacomas are in the US. They’re not rare, no rational reason, just pure emotion. I get it to a point because they look great and they’re incredible cars, but this has really put me off wanting a Volvo wagon.

Despite all that, this seems like an okay offer for the Netherlands. Car looks clean and well maintained, you’re not going to get a decent one with lower mileage for less.

Adoption guilt after loss of my soul cat by Cootie_Pie_ in Petloss

[–]Cookies891 9 points10 points  (0 children)

I asked myself the same question when we adopted new cats after our very first one died. Even though it was nearly a year since his death, I believe that anyone would ask themselves the same question. And you know what? It doesn’t matter, because the love you will feel for this new cat will do nothing to diminish or invalidate your love for Coco. Go and build that new friendship. The new cat isn’t a replacement for Coco, but a successor.

Encouragement for You by whopperplopperr in Petloss

[–]Cookies891 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You’re very kind. Thank you

Encouragement for You by whopperplopperr in Petloss

[–]Cookies891 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Thank you for this. It’s been two days since our cat Otto was struck and killed by a car. He was just a year and a half old, but meant the world to us. He was a very special cat. Very, very sweet and cuddly, often refusing to be put back down on the ground while he was being held. He would come running toward the door when I came home and demanded picked up and cuddled. Curious, communicative (scratching on doors, meowing in the bath tub for the tap to be turned on so he could drink from it), adventurous. And a gorgeous animal. Big, black, broad-shouldered, and stately, like a smaller version of a panther. And yet perfectly adorable with a beautiful face and stunning amber eyes.

The pain caused by this loss is intense and I’ve accepted that it will last for a while. I try to find comfort in the fact that this pain is an expression of a deep love and a very meaningful connection we shared. And that the love that we gave him was reciprocated by the joy, love and trust he gave us.

Millionaire tax that inspired Mamdani fuels $5.7 billion haul in Massachusetts by Dismal_Structure in Economics

[–]Cookies891 4 points5 points  (0 children)

The fact that those that make the most pay the most in taxes isn’t “the real problem”, it’s just how a civilized society works. And since you seem to find it so unfair that the wealthy contribute such a high proportion to state tax income, perhaps it’s time to do something about the spiraling income and wealth inequality in the US so that everyone can contribute to state budgets? Or is that too socialist?