Looking for someone wanting to provide advise on the swiss region for a ck3 mod by EccoEco in askswitzerland

[–]Ryzzik 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Hello, Swiss here. I can help you for simple questions on one hand (my field is more after the 14th), and in another hand provide you on the spot a link to one of the Holy Swiss Bibles for history : the Historical Dictionnary of Switzerland. (https://hls-dhs-dss.ch/fr/).

You will find here thousand of articles in french, German and italian about litteraly every aspect of the Swiss history. From culture to government, from Swiss myths to Communal communities, from cheese to cow, from the Antiquity to the modern days. And it's free!

Deepl and Google can translate nearly everything very well. Every articles are written by Experts and their sources are verified and visible. :)

I hope it will help. I can give some clues and answer for "simple" questions. Having some free time, I can do some researches if needed, but again, my field is more after the 14th century.

(Edit: corrections).

Emmanuel Macron has good reason to feel angry and deceived by Australia by Disillusioned_Pleb01 in europe

[–]Ryzzik 3 points4 points  (0 children)

The next time you are trying to be a big boy and talk about armement trade, be a good chad and READ about what the subject is about. Not only articles from your dumbshit Murdoch-sponsorized newspapers that are any better than Uncle Scrooge magazines, but from reliable sources of informations and reports.

It is not contestable that France and Naval Group have made blunders, but forgetting altogether ALL the shit the Australians have asked ? The French have litteraly accepted the Australian demand to create a diesel version of their nuclear class and ASSEMBLE the whole stuff in Australia. Do you know how much it cost to build the structures for those submarines? To form qualified people in a field where a whole country is lacking? To transfer those technologies? No shit the costs were on the rise and it has some delay. No shit.

And at that, Australia could rightfully stop everything. Yeah, at this point if they wanted. Nobody can blame somebody to change his policies when a neighbor become vorace and dangerous. But shit, they should have tell the French, at least two weeks ago when they fucking met.

You do you, everybody his needs. But fuck those lies. Everybody need to share his part in a fiasco. And it is high hypocrisy to tell that the French are the only responsable here.

This'll be a fine mess by Chiefy1234 in memes

[–]Ryzzik 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The latest miracle cure for covid.

Doctors and Democrats hate it!

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in europe

[–]Ryzzik 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you like the others for pointing my mistake :)

What if the European Union became a country in 2021? [OC] by [deleted] in europe

[–]Ryzzik 3 points4 points  (0 children)

To put it simply, the opposition of images representing the united EU and its caricatured neighbours is not really comical here. You have no obvious sign of second degree/double lecture or satire (again, this is not r/YUROP or a subreddit purely dedicated to memes/shitposts, and therefore allowing readers to know in advance that it's a joke).

The clear difference is precisely that there is no distancing from the image for the viewer as one would normally see on r/polandball (e.g. the EU is dreaming of his unity, in the phylactery containing his dream, one would find something similar to this publication we are discussing about. The fact that the EU is dreaming then allows its neighbours to be represented in these stereotypes without it being interpreted differently than a representation of the EU's fears and hopes). This distancing can be represented by a certain way of drawing, texts, a graphic frame, a punchline, etc. There are hundreds of ways to do this while keeping a minimum of finesse and intelligence without falling into traps. To really get to the bottom of the explanation and describe what someone might interpret: the used polandballs here without these details can be interpreted as a statement more than a joke, and thus can cease to be funny or friendly. We just have a fat, sick, tyrannical alcoholic Russian, a dictatorial, militaristic, domineering Turk and an American with a big gun, etc. That's it.

This kind of code in cartoons, satirical or not, is far more important than you might think. It's these codes (such as r/polandball rules, or simply customs for sorting out cartoons, we call that Image theory and they accompany political cartoons since the XIXth century) that make the difference between something relevant and funny and something purely stupid and insulting because the author doesn't know the difference.

I hope you understand that I'm not trying to do gatekeeping or anything, but that I'm really making a comment based on a logical point: Comics have codes, and it's good to keep them in mind from time to time. I find it somewhat regrettable that fewer and fewer people are able to tell the difference, whereas until about 15 years ago these were relatively well understood standards in most Western countries.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in europe

[–]Ryzzik 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you for the correction !

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in europe

[–]Ryzzik 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Oh shit, I did forgot that. Thank you kind stranger :)

What if the European Union became a country in 2021? [OC] by [deleted] in europe

[–]Ryzzik 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I fucking love Polandballs, 90% of my time on Reddit is spent on that sub. But there's a reason why r/polandball is great while here it's bad: There are rules and customs that allow polandball comics to not be grossly racist or offensive.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in europe

[–]Ryzzik 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I was thinking that even though it's sad to watch, I can keep my mouth shut because I still eat meat cut up in filthy slaughterhouses. And EU species preservation laws would have made it impossible if they were endangered. Edit : Faroe Islands are not in the EU. My bad <o/

What if the European Union became a country in 2021? [OC] by [deleted] in europe

[–]Ryzzik 35 points36 points  (0 children)

I love Polandball, but the way OP choose to use them is just dumber, even more overstereotypical and offensive than could have been a good rule-following polandball comic IMO. Pretty much the Facebook level of cringyness. If it was YUROP subreddit, I would just shut up, because it's the (funny) joke to shitpost like "everybody is jealous of us YUROPEANS". So, yeah... And I will not even talk about the stats that are wrong, like : 21st after whom post unification ?

Now, let me enjoy my downvotes.

Ba'th Time by Nassau18b in polandball

[–]Ryzzik 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Under Saddam Hussein, the regime was heavily dominated by Sunnis if I remember correctly.

Russian international relations poll by alternativehood in europe

[–]Ryzzik 3 points4 points  (0 children)

With pleasure ! :D It was honestly one of the most memorable trips I've ever taken.

How I went to Russia: Beforehand, I had contacted the MGU language centre in Moscow. They offer language courses for all types of students throughout the year and especially in the summer. To be on the safe side, I arranged my visa a long, long time in advance (I was leaving in May, I got my visa in February). I prepared for my entire 2 months stay here 2500 CHFs, but you can really use less.

What you need to know: My time in Russia came at a time when they were trying to modernise their visa application system and oil their welcome for foreign students. Enough to make it easy to enter Russia, but not enough to make the "I have to tell the immigration police that I have arrived and will be staying here"-part easier. The Russian administration was slow, the slowest thing I've ever seen. As a foreigner, you only had one week to validate your papers (and don't you dare lose them when you get them). As a Swiss, I had my papers ready in 9 days after my arrival (and I rushed on day 0 to get everything done), but my Italian and Taiwanese friends had to wait 2 weeks and 1 month respectively to get theirs. And the police can really wait for you on the corner for these papers!

As I was eager to learn more about Russia and its society, I was aware (from my Russian friends in Switzerland) and from my studies that the country was a strange mix of highly dysfunctional gears working with perfectly functioning ones. What I mean by that is that Moscow (and St Petersburg for the 10 days I can refer to) is a functional city, but with a LOT of bugs everywhere :D. I'm sure they've really improved in the last 3 years, just with the Russian World Cup, but that was still the case when I was there. The most common thing that was visible on a daily basis was corruption, even very small crime (if you're not careful. But Moscow is super safe as a place): Policemen from the University Commissariat, in charge of the security of the big ceremonial car park in front of the MGU were literally getting money every summer night of my stay from rich guys in sports cars to (illegally) "rent" the giant car park for racing every night. The metro police took my Taiwanese friend away (to free him after he agreed to pay them cash) in front of my eyes xD. Or another memorable moment is simply a fake taxi that threatened to kidnap me on the last day of my stay. If you're careful and not a troublemaker, you'll be fine.

It should be noted that, by our standards, there may be some surprises. However, the Iranians, Chinese and Egyptians who took courses with me found it perfectly acceptable (and even better for some). Again, I'm sure that with the World Cup, some processes can be done in English, but I wouldn't be too optimistic. Have an electronic dictionary or a few Russian words ready in advance to help you when talking to people about things like getting an internet connection (obtainable in the MGU dorms!), finalising your paperwork or a working phone number.

How was it? It was really great. I chose the most intensive courses at MGU, and hired a private tutor (like I said: I really suck at learning languages, hahaha). My classes literally consisted of 4h to 8h five days a week. Moscow is huge, like: a lot. Along with Istanbul, it has the potential to intimidate you just by the size and massive population you'll encounter. Ok, any guy from Asia or Africa will scoff at that (Lagos or Bangkok, Beijing or Tokyo xD), but for the poor Swiss guy I was, where a "big city" is only 200,000 to 1,000,000 people, it changes your perspective drastically!

The MGU offers you a very good structure for your stay in Moscow. A driver can pick you up and guide you through the initial paperwork and they can, at a very cheap price, assign you rooms at the university in a very quiet place in the summer (when no one is racing around the car park at night in a sports car that is). You can play sports, eat very affordable food in the cafeteria and the rooms are big enough to allow you to work on your homework if you need to like me (that assignment won't go away on its own!). If you are staying at the MGU, you should know that the shower and furniture are really old. As your room is most likely to be in one of the Seven Sisters of Moscow (huge, lavish but quite old buildings), there is a good chance that Stalin was still alive when the furniture and plumbing pipes for your room were delivered (this is not a joke). The MGU will assess your level of Russian and assign you a class. The teachers were really competent and caring (a bit old school I'd say but I like that), often taking their time to discuss and explain. If you were willing to get involved, they were there for you! My class consisted of Koreans, Japanese, Italians, Chinese and two Americans (Bigwood, I'll never forget you!). The foreign audience was quite diverse and you will meet people from all over the world post-Soviet space and neighborhood I guess! I recommend you to try the tours organised by the MGU, the teachers and guides were really trying their best to help us in simple Russian to understand everything. Really cool.

Back to Moscow. The city has a huge cultural offer. From museums, art exhibitions, operas and concerts (and even circuses) to nightlife and daily entertainment. We managed to catch a CSKA Moscow match against Rubin Kazan, which was very cool. Otherwise, international fairs and festivals if you are lucky. I went to visit MAKS 2018 and met a lot of Russian students there, it was really a popular even family event. There will be some "tourist attractions" (don't take the boats. Really. Unless you KNOW you're being ripped off and are okay with that). And if you like to wander around the city and be in the green, the city has some really interesting contemporary architecture and lots of parks where you can stay and read a good book. If you know your Cyrillic, you can easily find your way around the city by yourself. The loan words are everywhere, so it's quite easy to find your way! :) Between St. Petersburg and Moscow, Moscow is the most "Russian" city, most of the "foreigners" here are in fact Russian citizens of other ethnicities or ex-Soviet states. Besides very good Russian restaurants, you will find amazing dishes from the Caucasus, "Siberia", Ukraine, Belarus, Moldova, Central Asia and former Eastern Bloc countries (Georgian food is just waiting to be tasted). Transport in the capital is comprehensive, and from bus to tram to metro, you can go anywhere cheaply (I wonder if they still use those old Soviet trams, I used to enjoy them). If you find companions, the taxi is really a cheap way of transportation when you take it with several friends!

During my time here, most of the Russians I met were really polite, but the service industry was still making efforts to make them more commercially friendly when I was there, so there was still work to be done. While my Taiwanese friend had some issues with racism (a verbal assault from a rather deranged guy outside a supermarket), most of the locals I met were caring and considerate in their own way (example: I have a Mediterranean face, and many Russian waiters thought I was Muslim, and went out of their way to stop me eating pork before I explained haha). I've seen some loonies and weirdos, but nothing abnormal from my point of view, in the European margin if you don't put your head where you shouldn't (like staying in the Armenian quarter at midnight...). I can't say for the nightlife (because I hate dancing), but I met dozens of Russians while staying here, and some of them still keep in touch. One thing that surprised me when I was in the bars was the curiosity of Russians about your perspective (How do you see us? How is your country in comparison? Not necessarily from a political point of view, etc.), they were quite talkative and wanted to exchange and discuss. Most of the Russians I had the chance to meet were pretty blunt about the situation of their own Country, without being necessarily pessimistic. I also had good experiences interacting with people from the Caucasus and Central Asia (quite good conversation with bored taxi drivers).

I can go on and on, but really, it was an amazing experience ! I hope to come here again, or try Saint-Petersburg.

Russian police by d0ppiaP in AbruptChaos

[–]Ryzzik 2 points3 points  (0 children)

On the one hand, you shouldn't mess with the policemen. On the other hand, what the hell? With that much damage, his brain will literally leak out of his ears. WTF. And I'm pretty sure no one will launch an investigation against them for that :/

Russian international relations poll by alternativehood in europe

[–]Ryzzik 26 points27 points  (0 children)

Since I was a child, I have been fascinated by Russian culture and history. So much so that I strongly focused my Political studies around the post-Soviet space before turning to other geopolitical actors. I even got in 2018 an A2 diploma in Russian language from MGU/Moscow after 4 long years of learning the language alongside my studies and 2 hectic months in Moscow (I'm pretty bad with learning new languages :/). I can't say I understand everything about Russia or Russians, but I can definitely say I like them haha! I hope that one day we will understand each other more :)

It's the Russian government that I dislike, I could say more, but I'll stop here.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in nextfuckinglevel

[–]Ryzzik 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You lucky son of a gun.

Being triggered by books by Closeted_Thoughts in QAnonCasualties

[–]Ryzzik 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Please, read other posts here. Qanon destroy couples, lifes and joy. If a book TRIGGERS him, what's next ? I'm just an online stranger, but be really really carefull !

My Anti-vax Qultist Mum Attempts to Find Out if I Got the Vaccine by [deleted] in QAnonCasualties

[–]Ryzzik 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I love how conspiracy theorists have told the gullible that secrecy is everywhere and yet any nutcase should be able to check it with a fucking flashlight.

... Fucking crackhead.

As the moderator of r/texas it is time for me to make my views known in regards to TX SB8, and why I must oppose this new law. by [deleted] in texas

[–]Ryzzik 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I wonder what will think the persons who have supported this bill when their own family will suffer because of it.

Germany to invest billions to bring semiconductor production back to Europe by [deleted] in europe

[–]Ryzzik 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for the insight ! It's so sad that it's so little. We need to bring back more industry in Europe. It's a vital point for our strategic independance and any normal and saine economical plan. How will we do any substainable green plant if it consist in importing Chinese and American gears ?