New US finance minister - can he even handwrite?

[Skybird]

Not kidding, I am asking seriously-. Is there any recorded handwritten note by him that proves that he even can handwrite?

Because this is his signature. Scribbled curls like a spiral cable.

http://img843.imageshack.us/img843/8673/lewsloopysignature.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/843/lewsloopysignature.jpg/)

With big imagination I could read a capital "J" into it at the beginning, and later a very strange way of painting an "o". And that is all letters one could attach to it even if being utmost well-meaning.

Could it be that he is illiterate and has hidden it successfully for this long?

[Tribesman]

So he signs with a flourish, big deal:yawn:

[Oberon]

To be honest, as the world of computer typing takes over, handwriting is going to go down the toilet, my handwriting is pretty terrible now (but then again it's always been like a spider given ecstasy, dipped in ink and then thrown on paper) but I write so few things (usually the names of drinks followed by room numbers) that it doesn't matter. If I force myself I can write very neatly but about the only time I need to do that these days is Christmas or Birthdays.

[Herr-Berbunch]

To be honest, as the world of computer typing takes over, handwriting is going to go down the toilet, my handwriting is pretty terrible now (but then again it's always been like a spider given ecstasy, dipped in ink and then thrown on paper) but I write so few things (usually the names of drinks followed by room numbers) that it doesn't matter. If I force myself I can write very neatly but about the only time I need to do that these days is Christmas or Birthdays.

I spent 12 years writing in legally-accountable documentation in capitals that I haven't stopped since. It takes a special effort on my behalf to write properly.

My wife, on the other hand, writes every day and has the most terrible handwriting that she should be a doctor!

[mookiemookie]

My signature is a scribble as well. :oops:

[Tribesman]

My signature is a scribble as well.
My signature is three words that look like a scribble

[JU_88]

His signature would be the least of my worries, given the current state the U.S Goverments finances. Trillion dollar coin anyone? :nope:

[antikristuseke]

writing is the devils magic.:yep:

[Takeda Shingen]

Postin' in a Skybird thread. :arrgh!:

[Hottentot]

My signature is a scribble as well. :oops:

Do tell. All I see is some microscopic lines there, and I have a bloody magnifying glass here.


My signature is three words that look like a scribble

Bull. You don't even have a signature.


Postin' in a Skybird thread. :arrgh!:

I'm ignoring this post...no, wait.

[Herr-Berbunch]

Postin' in a Skybird thread. :arrgh!:

Well done you. :up:

It's probably because there is very little politics or religion (shhh!) so far.

[Jimbuna]

My writing has deteriorated so much in the past three years that I much prefer to print now.

[Oberon]

I must confess that most of my handwriting is done in block, rather than joined up, I was taught to write joined up but back in my younger days I used to draw little adventure comics, and joined up handwriting in a speech bubble looks horrible, so I untaught myself and now I only write joined up if I'm writing in a hurry, and it makes the drugged spider look like an Oxford scholar.

[mookiemookie]

Do tell. All I see is some microscopic lines there, and I have a bloody magnifying glass here.

I scribble an "M" and then the last name is a kind of two up and down scribbles and then a swoosh to finish it off. My mother berated me when she saw my signature and told me that it's completely illegible.

[GoldenRivet]

as a flight instructor, and as my career evolved into airlines and also the insurance business my elaborate and enunciated signature from high school and college was having to be duplicated dozens of times per day.

it eventually evolved onto something more or less recognizable as the initials JSY

to each his own... but i do think a persons signature should at least resemble their name on some level... i dont see how a series of what appear to be upside down cursive "E"s makes out his name.

handwriting is going the way of the dodo

when not writing my signature i write in architectural block letters because throughout high school and throughout most of college its what i was taught and it stuck with me and meshes well with my slightly obsessive compulsive tendencies.

part of why i keep a journal is not only for the therapeutic nature of getting the thoughts out... but also to maintain that hand writing.

[Sailor Steve]

President John F. Kennedy's signature.

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a325/SailorSteve/autograph.jpg

My signature, while looking like it was written by a 5-year-old, is actually legible.

[GoldenRivet]

well see that is readable.


"o0o0o0o0-" is just :timeout:

[Oberon]

Lyndon Johnsons looks like a seismograph readout:

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/56/Lyndon_Johnson_Signatre_2.svg

[Sailor Steve]

Lyndon Johnsons looks like a seismograph readout:

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/56/Lyndon_Johnson_Signatre_2.svg
Looks more to me like a red X in a white box. :O:

[Jimbuna]

Looks more to me like a red X in a white box. :O:

^:har:

Beat me to it :stare:

[Herr-Berbunch]

Looks more to me like a red X in a white box. :O:

I can see it just fine, are you sure you're not looking at your sig and any moment a cat is going to steal it?

[Oberon]

Looks more to me like a red X in a white box. :O:

:oops:

How about this one?

http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/tokens_and_treasures/graphics/signature_johnson.gif

[Jimbuna]

:oops:

How about this one?

http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/tokens_and_treasures/graphics/signature_johnson.gif

Much better :yeah:

[Raptor1]

My usual handwriting happens to be so utterly incomprehensible that attempting to decipher it can drive the minds of mere mortals to madness. Or perhaps that was just me, I am not sure. In any case, I think handwriting is highly overrated.

Looks more to me like a red X in a white box. :O:

Works for me, curiously enough. About a quarter of the times Oberon posts pictures they fail to show up on my end without digging up their URLs and manually looking at them.

[Oberon]

Works for me, curiously enough. About a quarter of the times Oberon posts pictures they fail to show up on my end without digging up their URLs and manually looking at them.

Well, tell me you daft sod so I can throw it at imageshack and get around the MOSSAD filter! :O: Although sometimes I post from work which uses... *shudder* Internet Explorer, which fails on so many levels that it doesn't even like to 'copy image location'. :nope:

[Raptor1]

Well, tell me you daft sod so I can throw it at imageshack and get around the MOSSAD filter! :O: Although sometimes I post from work which uses... *shudder* Internet Explorer, which fails on so many levels that it doesn't even like to 'copy image location'. :nope:

Fine, next time you post an image I cannot see, I shall immediately demand you upload it to a host from which I can see it or else. Better?

[Oberon]

Fine, next time you post an image I cannot see, I shall immediately demand you upload it to a host from which I can see it or else. Better?

Indeed, although I reserve the right to completely ignore you. :yep:

[Sailor Steve]

:oops:

How about this one?
Can see that one just fine. :sunny:

[mookiemookie]

Timothy Geithner changed his signature so it would be legible on currency:

http://www.marketplace.org/topics/economy/geithner-interviews/timothy-geithners-signature-not-fit-print

[Garion]

I just print a large 'X'

I have been typing too long to change back now :D

Cheers

Gary

[HundertzehnGustav]

as a flight instructor, and as my career evolved into airlines and also the insurance business my elaborate and enunciated signature from high school and college was having to be duplicated dozens of times per day.

it eventually evolved onto something more or less recognizable as the initials JSY

to each his own... but i do think a persons signature should at least resemble their name on some level... i dont see how a series of what appear to be upside down cursive "E"s makes out his name.

handwriting is going the way of the dodo

when not writing my signature i write in architectural block letters because throughout high school and throughout most of college its what i was taught and it stuck with me and meshes well with my slightly obsessive compulsive tendencies.

part of why i keep a journal is not only for the therapeutic nature of getting the thoughts out... but also to maintain that hand writing.


Interesting. i often judge people by their signature. The one in the OP looks like its from a guy who has done the same thing for decades, and is boring, desilusioned, confused and unable to innovate. (running round in circles, over and over again...)

[Platapus]

In my capacity as Precinct Chief, I have to sign my name about 50 times in one day. It is interesting how the signatures change. Especially as the stress increases.

But then anyone who has closed on a house knows exactly how it is.

[August]

In my capacity as Precinct Chief, I have to sign my name about 50 times in one day. It is interesting how the signatures change. Especially as the stress increases.

But then anyone who has closed on a house knows exactly how it is.

Or been in the military. :yep:

[em2nought]

Why are we just now getting around to eliminating excess conference spending? :arrgh!:

[Spoon 11th]

The year is 2013. Handwritten signatures are 1400's technology. Only digital signatures have importance today.

[vienna]

The year is 2013. Handwritten signatures are 1400's technology. Only digital signatures have importance today.


They have an importance, but they are also extremely vulnerable to misuse and theft. I really only trust to great extent the handwritten signature on paper...

<O>

[August]

They have an importance, but they are also extremely vulnerable to misuse and theft. I really only trust to great extent the handwritten signature on paper...

<O>

Exactly. Digital signatures are just begging to be misused.

[Skybird]

The year is 2013. Handwritten signatures are 1400's technology. Only digital signatures have importance today.
It seems you guys all have missed my only point.

When somebody "signs" something by making three crosses, "X X X", then the question must be asked whether he can read or not. And when he can not, then it could happen that somebody puts just any paper on his desk, says "this is what we said yesterday, law X or treaty Y or rule Z, please sign it and then it becomes legally valid." But since the guy signing it cannot read it, he maybe makes something very different a law, a treaty valid, a rule. In other words: he has no control.

The spiral cable that this man is painting, has nothing, absolutely nothing to do with any signs of writing letters. Like making three crosses. As long as this man has not presented something readable in his writing, and has not demonstrated his ability to read a given text off the paper, I will assume he is an illiterate. When somebody signs something by making three crosses, or now a spiral cable, then I only assume that until the opposite is proven. He would not have been the first impostor climbing on the career ladder, or the first illiterate hiding his handicap successfully by delegating everything that could have given his secret away.

And do not get me started on what a graphologist would say about this "signature".

So I ask again: has it ever been demonstrated that this man actually can read and write?

[HundertzehnGustav]

LOL!
Imagine you have to test each and every Politician for that...

how many will fail? 5%?:hmmm::rotfl2:

[Takeda Shingen]

It seems you guys all have missed my only point.

No, we got it. It's probably just a combination of some people think it is just silly while others don't care altogether.

When somebody "signs" something by making three crosses, "X X X", then the question must be asked whether he can read or not. And when he can not, then it could happen that somebody puts just any paper on his desk, says "this is what we said yesterday, law X or treaty Y or rule Z, please sign it and then it becomes legally valid." But since the guy signing it cannot read it, he maybe makes something very different a law, a treaty valid, a rule. In other words: he has no control.

Okay.

The spiral cable that this man is painting, has nothing, absolutely nothing to do with any signs of writing letters. Like making three crosses. As long as this man has not presented something readable in his writing, and has not demonstrated his ability to read a given text off the paper, I will assume he is an illiterate. When somebody signs something by making three crosses, or now a spiral cable, then I only assume that until the opposite is proven. He would not have been the first impostor climbing on the career ladder, or the first illiterate hiding his handicap successfully by delegating everything that could have given his secret away.

Sounds good. I'm sure you'll let us know in painful detail how that works out for you.

And do not get me started on what a graphologist would say about this "signature".

What would a graphologist say about this "signature"? Inquiring minds want to know.

So I ask again: has it ever been demonstrated that this man actually can read and write?

Probably.

[August]

A legible signature is no proof that the writer has the ability to write anything besides their signature, or even read what they wrote.

[STEED]

My writing has deteriorated so much in the past three years that I much prefer to print now.

Beer & curry dose that. :03: :har:

[the_tyrant]

Holy crap!:timeout:

This guy signs in binary! 000000


I for one welcome our robot overlords

[HundertzehnGustav]

A legible signature is no proof that the writer has the ability to write anything besides their signature, or even read what they wrote.

but no legible signature indicates the contrary.
But then again, many politas are not there for the goal of helping things run smooth. they are there for the power and the cash, aint they?

[August]

but no legible signature indicates the contrary.

Well no actually it doesn't. It just indicates haste.

But then again, many politas are not there for the goal of helping things run smooth. they are there for the power and the cash, aint they?That is a fact which stands on it's own.

[Jimbuna]

Beer & curry dose that. :03: :har:

There could well be an alement of truth in that :)

[Platapus]

Wadda ya think of this signature?

http://presidentsunitedstates.com/images/george_w_bush_signature.gif

Any guesses?

http://presidentsunitedstates.com/images/lyndon_b_johnson_signature.gif

This one looks like someone's EKG. OMG he is flat lining! beeeeep

A lot of famous people have crappy signatures. As long as it satisfies the purpose of an identifying mark that's good enough. :yep:

[Dowly]

^ George W. Bush & Lyndon B. Johnson :yep:


(says so in the filenames :O:)

[Sailor Steve]

Curse you Dowly, and your computer-fu black belt!

[Takeda Shingen]

The answers are George W. Bush and Lyndon B. Johnson.

Also, screw Dowly.

[Cybermat47]

I don't see what the fuss is about,
Sincerely,
Gybhubuhbuy

[Cybermat47]

Also, screw Dowly.

Only if you're a woman.

[Platapus]

But you could not tell by reading the signature. :smug:

[Sailor Steve]

I don't see what the fuss is about,
Sincerely,
Gybhubuhbuy
That settles it. Next election you get my vote. :rock:

[Sailor Steve]

Only if you're a woman.
Captain Jack might disagree. :shifty:

[Skybird]

A signature is not necessarily always readable. But it should give the impression that nevertheless it represents the writer's ability to base on letters and his skill to write. That is why the signatures of Johnson or Bush do not compare to three crosses or a spiral cable. If it does not, the question if the signing person actually could even write - or read - only is logical.

5 year old kids play-act as if they already could write, too, and produce some random scribblings, saying that now they "signed" it or "wrote" it down. That means nothing.

I would ask the same question if somebody signs a document by making three dots in a line, or painting a square or a triangle.

[MH]

http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m8jjaeiHaw1qbit5s.jpg

:D

[u crank]

So I ask again: has it ever been demonstrated that this man actually can read and write?

Jacob Joseph "Jack" Lew attended Carleton College and received his B.A. from Harvard College and his J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center.

From February 1993 to 1994, Lew served as Special Assistant to the President under President Clinton.

On January 9, 2012, President Obama announced that Lew would replace William M. Daley as White House Chief of Staff.

I'd bet a weeks pay that he can read and write. :O:

[Skybird]

http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m8jjaeiHaw1qbit5s.jpg

:D
Yes, that is a signature that I can link to the signing person. :yeah:

[Lionclaw]

Perhaps he was tired of writing Jacob, and replaced it with Jooooooo instead.

:O:

[August]

A signature is not necessarily always readable. But it should give the impression that nevertheless it represents the writer's ability to base on letters and his skill to write.


Say's who? Skybirds Manual of Approved Diction?

[HundertzehnGustav]

common sense?

yu get a new president. he signs his papers by loking dum and making an X.

do you trust this president?

i would be lile "WTH"?

But that gus is , fortunately for me, an american. Land of the free n stuff

:D

[Oberon]

But does he have a gun? :hmmm:

[u crank]

But does he have a gun? :hmmm:

The pen is mightier than the sw.... gun. :O:

[Platapus]

common sense?

yu get a new president. he signs his papers by loking dum and making an X.

do you trust this president?

i would be lile "WTH"?

But that gus is , fortunately for me, an american. Land of the free n stuff

:D


But no one is talking about someone "signing" with an "X", the thread is about someone with a very strange and unreadable signature. Quite a difference between that and using a signature mark.

[Takeda Shingen]

I still don't think it's a big deal. He has a wonky signature. So what?

[Platapus]

I still don't think it's a big deal. He has a wonky signature. So what?

He is someone nominated by Obama. Perhaps that's the big deal to some people.

[HundertzehnGustav]

But no one is talking about someone "signing" with an "X", the thread is about someone with a very strange and unreadable signature. Quite a difference between that and using a signature mark.
making a cross due to inability or making O°oO°oOoO°o due to inability...

inability is the catch here... and concerns that go from inability to incompetence.

i for one know that signing such a paper that puts me in a strong posiotion will get my best signature. Putting my Mark in a proper manner on a proper document that guides my life and others as well.

But he is not my Finance Guru... i ahsll not worry.
:)

[Platapus]

But he is not my Finance Guru... i ahsll not worry.
:)
I think that's a good attitude to have. :yep:

[HundertzehnGustav]

i just hope he don't mess up your cash like he messed up his signature!!!:haha:

[Platapus]

Chances are that he, like other Secretaries of the Treasury, will modify his signature on the paper bills to something a bit more readable.

[August]

making a cross due to inability or making O°oO°oOoO°o due to inability...

inability is the catch here... and concerns that go from inability to incompetence.

i for one know that signing such a paper that puts me in a strong posiotion will get my best signature. Putting my Mark in a proper manner on a proper document that guides my life and others as well.

But he is not my Finance Guru... i ahsll not worry.
:)

So you Europeans actually base your assessment of a persons education and professional ability by the legibility of their signature? No wonder you're such suckers for every two bit dictator and tyrant that comes along.

Us uncouth Americans go by much more telling indicators like which PHD's and other university degrees they hold, their professional experience, the confidence of the Chief Executive in nominating them and his ability to survive the usual contentious Senate confirmation process. Some drooling idiot that can't read or write is just not going to meet those high standards regardless of the quality of his signature. Though he may have a future in a European parliament apparently...

[soopaman2]

August.

Europeans think we are nuts.

But we are just doing what we do.

Who has let us do what we do for so long?

The same cats who think we are nuts for our ways.

I am so glad Europe has so many financial geniuses, who were smart enough to separate themselves from the poisonous American Banking system, oh wait, they were in bed with them....


Nevermind that, America is to blame for everything, because he writes like crap.

I got a Bruce Springsteen autograph from a few years ago, sloppy handwriting, he is a crappy musician, cuz he signs a sloppy autograph.
Yeah, you sound that silly.

[Oberon]

No wonder you're such suckers for every two bit dictator and tyrant that comes along.

That also might have something to do with the fact that Europe is a collection of different nations that have been around for a darn sight longer than the United States of America.

[Sailor Steve]

That also might have something to do with the fact that Europe is a collection of different nations that have been around for a darn sight longer than the United States of America.
Actually you've only been around that long on paper.

The French have been around since the Roman Empire. No, wait, they like to say their revolution changed everything, yet it was based on ours.

The Germans have been around just as long. No, wait, there's really only been a Germany since 1870.

The Brits have been around forever, but they've changed governments so many times that they're really not much older than we are, if at all.

In fact, no European government or way of life is really all that old. In fact, my ancestors are mostly English, with some German thrown in, and we can trace the family name back to the 400s. How do I compare in all this?

[Oberon]

Actually you've only been around that long on paper.

The French have been around since the Roman Empire. No, wait, they like to say their revolution changed everything, yet it was based on ours.

The Germans have been around just as long. No, wait, there's really only been a Germany since 1870.

The Brits have been around forever, but they've changed governments so many times that they're really not much older than we are, if at all.

In fact, no European government or way of life is really all that old. In fact, my ancestors are mostly English, with some German thrown in, and we can trace the family name back to the 400s. How do I compare in all this?

I guess you're just as susceptible to 'two-bit dictators' and 'tyrants' as well then, if you're of European descent.

[Skybird]

Actually you've only been around that long on paper.

The French have been around since the Roman Empire. No, wait, they like to say their revolution changed everything, yet it was based on ours.

The Germans have been around just as long. No, wait, there's really only been a Germany since 1870.

The Brits have been around forever, but they've changed governments so many times that they're really not much older than we are, if at all.

In fact, no European government or way of life is really all that old. In fact, my ancestors are mostly English, with some German thrown in, and we can trace the family name back to the 400s. How do I compare in all this?

955 - Battle on the Lechfeld near Augsburg. First time that kingdoms and small dukedoms under the leadership of Otto I. united against the shared enemy, the Hungarians, who raided "German" territories and plundered them. This is seen as the birth date of a German identity.

962 - first German king was crowned in Rome and declared first emperor of the Holy Roman Empire of German Nation.

The point is this, Steve. The formal nations called "Germany", "France" or "England" were just a late, if not the last step in a log process of identity forming. The feeling of being one people, one cultural entity of shared origin and history, is much older. And it is more important than a formality.

And the Brits, who "were around since ever", the Anglosaxons - well, there was a time when there were Angles and Saxons, and no Anglosaxons... And then formed up the socalled English... And the socalled Normans... The French intermezzo..., Great Britain is relatively late compared to all that - and still, the foundation of its heritage lies much longer back in time than just since the first Union Jack was raised.

[August]

I guess you're just as susceptible to 'two-bit dictators' and 'tyrants' as well then, if you're of European descent.

No actually our ancestors were the Europeans who got fed up with that crap and migrated to the new world to escape it. If anything you folks who remained behind have like concentrated susceptibility to that kind of thing. :)

[Sailor Steve]

I guess you're just as susceptible to 'two-bit dictators' and 'tyrants' as well then, if you're of European descent.
Me? Oh hell yes!

The point is this, Steve. The formal nations called "Germany", "France" or "England" were just a late, if not the last step in a log process of identity forming. The feeling of being one people, one cultural entity of shared origin and history, is much older. And it is more important than a formality.
No, the point is that some people seem to be born without a sense of humor.

At least Oberon got it. :sunny:

[Skybird]

Oh!? Well then, at least we did not cross blades in anger there. I still fail to see the humor, but maybe that is because I am not British like Oberon. Or your humor is as dry as Bond's Martinis. To hell with this Anglosaxon chumminess!

[Sailor Steve]

The serious truth is that I see it both ways. Yes, some peoples seem to have ingrained national habits, and are somewhat subject to their own traditions. My late friend Rocky was a firm believer in national typecasting. He gave me a lot of grief over being too "German" in my thought patterns, while loving the fact that his thinking was pure "Italian". Of course he made fun of himself over that, but I loved to remind him that his own mother came straight here from Germany, so he was more "German" than I was.

That said, I'm not sure I really believe it all that much, any more than I believe in Astrology, and I wonder if our national "habits" really go back more than two or three generations. On the one hand we talk about national characteristics and claim them when it suits us and deny them when it doesn't, but on the other hand international media of all sorts have made us look at each other's cultures and adapt them wholesale.

How many Japanese today even think about the old ways, other than to wax nostalgic just like the rest of us?

[HundertzehnGustav]

Jesus.
coming here after dropping a small smile last night, and august has turned his machinegun [US, texan made] on me.

some of you guys... make me wanna puke.
ah well, yankees.

[Skybird]

The serious truth is that I see it both ways. Yes, some peoples seem to have ingrained national habits, and are somewhat subject to their own traditions. My late friend Rocky was a firm believer in national typecasting. He gave me a lot of grief over being too "German" in my thought patterns, while loving the fact that his thinking was pure "Italian". Of course he made fun of himself over that, but I loved to remind him that his own mother came straight here from Germany, so he was more "German" than I was.

That said, I'm not sure I really believe it all that much, any more than I believe in Astrology, and I wonder if our national "habits" really go back more than two or three generations. On the one hand we talk about national characteristics and claim them when it suits us and deny them when it doesn't, but on the other hand international media of all sorts have made us look at each other's cultures and adapt them wholesale.

How many Japanese today even think about the old ways, other than to wax nostalgic just like the rest of us?I think there is a grain of truth in these national stereotypes. I would never exaggerate attributing such "typical" characteristics to an individual only because of his or her nationality. But some differences there are, and they both come from history and a tradition of lifestyle habits and clture as well as to some degree being genetically inherited. No human born ever ha sbeen a tabula rasa. Neither regarding his "gender", nor his mentality. They may try to deny today for PC reasons and extremist feminism that there are difference sbetween boys and girls, but that is BS. Theyx also may try in the eU today to deny that there are different indentites and mentalities in the people of Eurppean local regions. I think that is BS as well. It is the great socialist (not social but indeed socialist) making-everbody-euqal-and-featureless engineering game they play, becasue justice to them is not an issue about quality, but quantity, and so everybody must be made equal in material form. So there are no preset biological and psychological sexes anymore, but arbitrary gender-roles only that can be defined by political education in any way seen as opportune. And so , there are no grown historic identities of the various people in Europe, but in mrpiocniple they all are of the same thinking, tickiong, feeling, and desire. The Scandiniavian has the smae mentality like the Italian, and the Portuegese is as self-analytical as the German, and so on. No differences - we are all equal, wonderful!

Remember Orwell'S 1984, when the interrogator is not happy with the deliquent finally, after long torture, answering "five fingers" when the interrogator shows him four and wants him to admit it is five fingers? He explains he does not want the subject to just say "five" in order to escape the procedure and ease his suffering, he wants him to indeed be convinced and make himself be convinced beyond doubt, and he wants him to have a perception where he for real sees five fingers when being shown four.

That'S what PC and many other ideological modern schools do with us now, they show us four fingers and want us to make ourselves seeing five fingers. With PC, gender-engineers and the EUrocrats it is especially bad. I call it social-fascism now.

[Tribesman]

Jesus.
coming here after dropping a small smile last night, and august has turned his machinegun [US, texan made] on me.


I told you your friendly very Christian slapdown had really hit him hard:03:

[Oberon]

The serious truth is that I see it both ways. Yes, some peoples seem to have ingrained national habits, and are somewhat subject to their own traditions. My late friend Rocky was a firm believer in national typecasting. He gave me a lot of grief over being too "German" in my thought patterns, while loving the fact that his thinking was pure "Italian". Of course he made fun of himself over that, but I loved to remind him that his own mother came straight here from Germany, so he was more "German" than I was.

That said, I'm not sure I really believe it all that much, any more than I believe in Astrology, and I wonder if our national "habits" really go back more than two or three generations. On the one hand we talk about national characteristics and claim them when it suits us and deny them when it doesn't, but on the other hand international media of all sorts have made us look at each other's cultures and adapt them wholesale.

How many Japanese today even think about the old ways, other than to wax nostalgic just like the rest of us?

Bingo, although the British of 60 years ago would scant recognise the youth of todays Britain, such has been the radical change in attitudes in what is virtually a blink of an eye in the grand scheme of history. However there is still, in British society itself, some trace elements of the stereotypical Brit.
Talking to other people on the Underground is forbidden, mass displays of public hysteria come as a surprise (no-one would have predicted the outpouring of grief after the death of Princess Diana) and such slogans as 'Keep calm and carry on' become a sort of national meme.

However, in the context of this thread, what I found disturbing is Augusts rapidity to resort to national labels and stereotypes when, indeed, there was no call for it. Gustav did not, at any point during his post, call upon national stereotypes of either side of the Atlantic, nor indeed, in my opinion, make the sort of comment that warranted the reply that he received which slurred an entire continent. If one ever wanted to reinforce negative stereotypes, then this is indeed the way to do it. :nope:

[August]

However, in the context of this thread, what I found disturbing is Augusts rapidity to resort to national labels and stereotypes when, indeed, there was no call for it.

Rapidity Oberon?

I've been reading European insults and diatribes against my country on this forum for years of which the topic of this 6 page thread is just the latest example.

[Betonov]

So ??

Like Europe is not insulted, degraded, stereotyped, shown as a weak bunch of quareling socialist monarchies and used as an american doormat (due to the fault of our democratively elected goverments) on every turn by the americans and your media.

And you think this thread is insulting ??
Try being a Croat and listen to a Slovene and vice versa. You'd hide away in one of your tanks and sob for three days.

Now do it like Neal and Steve and suck it up and stop giving us reasons to think that the US stereotypes are real.

[Oberon]

Rapidity Oberon?

I've been reading European insults and diatribes against my country on this forum for years of which the topic of this 6 page thread is just the latest example.

Likewise we have read American insults in return over the years, however, if you look at this 6 page thread, you'll find that 4 pages of it are Americans and Europeans alike completely dismissing the theory of the OP as either irrelevant or unlikely. Furthermore, the post that you resorted to using European stereotypes against did not even contain a directed insult against America as a whole, or indeed any stereotypes.

Besides, as I have stated before, America is the primary superpower at this time, you're going to be hated and loved equally by the world for your actions and beliefs, just as European nations were back when the US was in its infancy, you just have to develop a thick skin and ignore it, responding in kind is exactly what people want you to do, so they can just use it as an example of a 'typical overreacting American'.
If the internet had been around in 1840 then I dare say I would be fending insults and scrutiny from around the world too.

[Sailor Steve]

If the internet had been around in 1840 then I dare say I would be fending insults and scrutiny from around the world too.
Target of the week. I like that. :sunny:

A good example of 'Nation bashing' is the huge American animosity towards France after they refused to support our incursion into Iraq in 2003. This is where all the "Cheese-eating surrender monkey" jokes and insults started. It's interesting that there aren't that many jokes about Germany in this regard, and virtually none at all aimed at Canada or New Zealand, who also opposed the invasion.

[soopaman2]

Jesus.
coming here after dropping a small smile last night, and august has turned his machinegun [US, texan made] on me.

some of you guys... make me wanna puke.
ah well, yankees.

Yeah, Us Yanks are a handful, but who else would you want in your corner in a tight spot?

In time you will gain a masochistic tendency and actually enjoy Augusts machine gun. I ate it a few times myself, it's fun, fire back, he kinda likes it :O:

I hope I am not one of the ones who makes you puke. I hold no malice towards any other nation really. It can just be disheartening to see so much malice towards mine at times, and for what?



Oh well, someone has to be the villain. It keeps the focus off the Euro Cartel, and it's attempts to save a dying currency.

Sure we suck, but I am willing to bet you all have sucky things too.

No society is exempt from sucking. My first law of suckyness.

[Oberon]

No society is exempt from sucking. My first law of suckyness.

QFT :up:

Target of the week. I like that. :sunny:

A good example of 'Nation bashing' is the huge American animosity towards France after they refused to support our incursion into Iraq in 2003. This is where all the "Cheese-eating surrender monkey" jokes and insults started. It's interesting that there aren't that many jokes about Germany in this regard, and virtually none at all aimed at Canada or New Zealand, who also opposed the invasion.

In Europe itself there are little bits of animosity between nations from conflicts of a hundred years ago or more, the Netherlands looks at Belgium and wants the northern part of it back, France looks a Belgium and sees it as a nuisance, the Brits mutter under their breath at the French and Germans, the Dutch have football anger at the Germans, and hide their bicycles whenever the Germans are around, everyone thinks that the Spanish are lazy, and the Spanish think that everyone else should just stop sticking their noses in where its not wanted...and nobody will let Germany forget about World War Two, the Russians about the Soviet Union, or France about Napoleon.
And that's not even beginning to talk about how Poland feels about Germany and Russia... :03:

[August]

you just have to develop a thick skin and ignore it,

Still trying to tell us how to act I see.

responding in kind is exactly what people want you to do, so they can just use it as an example of a 'typical overreacting American'

Good then I won't disappoint them and it'll give some more controversy for the forum to feed upon. That's what this whole thread is about ain't it?

[MH]

It turns out that bad sig may be a nuisance when people really care.:haha:


oooooooo

[Oberon]

Good then I won't disappoint them and it'll give some more controversy for the forum to feed upon. That's what this whole thread is about ain't it?

If you want to take the bait, feel free to do so. :yeah:

[Sailor Steve]

Still trying to tell us how to act I see.
That was friendly advice, not an order, and he was talking about his own country as much as anybody else's.

You have a real talent for overreacting and taking things personally when they weren't even remotely meant that way.

[August]

That was friendly advice, not an order, and he was talking about his own country as much as anybody else's.

You have a real talent for overreacting and taking things personally when they weren't even remotely meant that way.

And you have a real talent as a mother hen. Oberons a big boy he can talk for himself.

[soopaman2]

In all fairness, my previous post smashed the Euro, and no one complained.

I think Augusts gripe, (IMHO) is how it is popular to hold America as the universal villain for all the worlds woes. While others put themselves on a pedestal, above the problems. Problems we all perpetuated, not just America and its citizens.

Considering how long Europe has been around, and how much superior you hold yourselves above us, why have you all not opposed our system, rather than subscribing to them?

Perhaps some inward looking is in order, American currency may be in chaos, but it is still way more stable than most.

This has turned into a thread "blaming" America for the global recession, yet no one holds their own accountable. American bankers did not crash the PIIGS, the PIIGS did. (edit guns don't kill people, people kill people) Two political statements in one post, overload overload! *explodes*
Why is Europe so absorbed with us, I find it funny most of you know who our president is, yet most Americans do not know or care who runs your country..

Seriously, time to look inward for your problems.

Unless this is your way of asking for a handout from Americas taxpayers?

[Betonov]

In all fairness, my previous post smashed the Euro, and no one complained.



Smashed the Euro ???

Please, we throw cobblestones into our bankers because of the euro and you're ''smashing'' it with some words :O:

[Oberon]

This has turned into a thread "blaming" America for the global recession

Where?

[Sailor Steve]

And you have a real talent as a mother hen.
Our reputations both speak for themselves.

[Armistead]

That sig makes no sense, who signs a bunch of cirlces, it would take less effort to scribble a few intials. He probably defends it as some special sig, considering himself special, we, the lowly world unable to understand his greatness. I myself find people that scribble like that are making a statment, that they're above having to write legit for anyone to understand.

[August]

That sig makes no sense, who signs a bunch of cirlces, it would take less effort to scribble a few intials. He probably defends it as some special sig, considering himself special, we, the lowly world unable to understand his greatness. I myself find people that scribble like that are making a statment, that they're above having to write legit for anyone to understand.

Now that is a far more reasonable assessment than he doesn't know how to write. No shortage of elitism in Washington.

[MH]

Now that is a far more reasonable assessment than he doesn't know how to write. No shortage of elitism in Washington.

You might be right:D

'Mysteriously Weird' Signature
Of White House Chief of Staff

https://encrypted-tbn1.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTLfGWnOx5Ne6TASTDrKiUzn-ldoG1aZ8RG1ctyqFsvselMFRw_MQ

HANDWRITING ANALYSIS of JACOB “Jack” LEW

The signature of Jacob “Jack” Lew is among the most mysteriously weird (with goofy overtones) that we have seen in a quarter century of graphology.
It looks like an unraveled Slinky, and like most signatures is not necessarily indicative of the person who wrote it, but more likely the crafted image they want others to perceive.
But who wants others to see him/her as a Slinky, unless that’s what he/she actually may be, psychologically speaking? It may be enlightening to know how that spiral signature came to be crafted by Mr. Lew. Is there a symbolism in it that most people cannot fathom? Is it a private joke?
The overall loopiness generally signals hyper-secrecy. He will carry secrets to his grave. He is also secretive about who he may actually be. He keeps his profile extremely low.
Yet at the same time he draws a series of large, connected loops for his name, which looks so odd (or whimsical) that it draws immediate attention to himself. This contradiction must make for some funny moments in his personal and professional life.
His imagination is probably as relatively large as the loops, and much of his energy is expended in the realms of abstract thinking, perhaps even religion. The oversized loops warn that he might blow certain matters out of proportion.
His thinking is both objective and methodical; he must connect all the dots. He is capable of taking the initiative and he desires responsibility. The vertical slant of his writing signals a person who thinks before he acts.

[Hottentot]

Arena bookings, get your arena bookings here! Lions for cheap! Loin cloths on sale! Fake blood, recitable collection of cliche last words, rubber lips for permanent smiles all 50 % off! Get your gear here!

[Takeda Shingen]

Arena bookings, get your arena bookings here! Lions for cheap! Loin cloths on sale! Fake blood, recitable collection of cliche last words, rubber lips for permanent smiles all 50 % off! Get your gear here!

Post of the year.

[Hottentot]

Seeing it's 13. of January, that doesn't take much of an effort. :haha:

[Tribesman]

Target of the week. I like that. :sunny:

A good example of 'Nation bashing' is the huge American animosity towards France after they refused to support our incursion into Iraq in 2003. This is where all the "Cheese-eating surrender monkey" jokes and insults started. It's interesting that there aren't that many jokes about Germany in this regard, and virtually none at all aimed at Canada or New Zealand, who also opposed the invasion.
The difference of course is the position France holds.
Lots of nations turned round and said "this is crap you are telling us".
France was on the security council with a veto and said "this is crap you are telling us".
For further good measure it said "you were already told it was crap when the information was handed to you".

You can understand the resentment a sore loser would feel over that.

[MH]

And i thought it was about the French selling frogs to the Iraqis.:hmmm:

[Tribesman]

And i thought it was about the French selling frogs to the Iraqis
No, the Russians sold Frogs, the French sold Magic and the Americans sold Defenders:up:

[HundertzehnGustav]

Yeah, Us Yanks are a handful, but who else would you want in your corner in a tight spot?
A bunch of aussies or south africans. a handsful of spaniards or a set from the tip of the shoe... italy. passionate fighters.
a belgian (south) confronted by another belgian (north) canunleash hell by pure handspower too.
No need for stoopid Firepower- some of them ex Belgian army types, even crippled and with mauled limbs - Gallic forces.

Just to say, there are other fighters on this planet.

To answer the part on "when the soup hits the fan":
I either will have been smart enough to see it coming, or deserve to die however death comes.
Humanity is overrated.





In time you will gain a masochistic tendency and actually enjoy Augusts machine gun. I ate it a few times myself, it's fun, fire back, he kinda likes it :O:If it WERE a Machinegun. It felt like he used a set 5 incher guns off a Fletcher Class. Boring. Bland. Vulgar. Shooting birds with cannons. Uncalled for. Nothing special, please move on, gentlemen...:)

I would ve been honored to get a 2000 feet shot of an oerlikon 20mikemike.
Or a 1000 feet shot by a 50cal.
That would have actually impresssed me.


I hope I am not one of the ones who makes you puke. I hold no malice towards any other nation really. It can just be disheartening to see so much malice towards mine at times, and for what?
US of A is evil!:D and you too!:D
No, i should' ve specifically pointed my finger to August, and not broaden my aim by portentially including otehr unnamed people.
I lost my focus and might have pointed my Flakvierling at a lot of people i have learned to respect and enjoy.

I would like to apologise for that.

But would that not have made my public post an insult? hard on the line - very very hard.
But then, maybe i should ve eathen my post entirely.
i mean, like... who cares.
7.2+ billion. One opinion is Overrated.

Oh well, someone has to be the villain. It keeps the focus off the Euro Cartel, and it's attempts to save a dying currency.
Sure we suck, but I am willing to bet you all have sucky things too.
No society is exempt from sucking. My first law of suckyness.
And yes we suck too. Either get our act together and form something like the US of europe, or just drop the Idea.
What we are doing now with our currency is pussyfooting around a few harsh and hard decisions.

and one can apply that curreny situation to other sectors: education, military, society, Law...
Europeans don't know what the hell they want.

You said it...
Society is made up by Humans.
and BOY do these Humans -beeeeeeep- :yep:
Hoooly moly!

[HundertzehnGustav]

No, the Russians sold Frogs, the French sold Magic and the Americans sold Defenders:up:


That, SIR, was an awesome post.:rock:

[Sailor Steve]

Just to say, there are other fighters on this planet.

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a325/SailorSteve/ghurka.jpg

[Oberon]

*pic*

This, so very much this. :yep: Never, ever, mess with a Gurkha! :yep:

[August]

It felt like he used a set...

My bad. I didn't realize you were so fragile.

[HundertzehnGustav]

...did i say you hit the mark? merely irritating me.

*hug*

I am on vacation from agression. Try again when i am back home. In a few decades.

That signature made some headlines on local newspaper websites... seems the entire european continent is grinning about Mister OoOoOoOoO :D