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Thursday Landscape
Salzburg (2004)
Quote from the Son&Heir, on seeing the Alps for the first time from his hotel room:
“C’mon Dad, that’s not real — that’s a poster someone’s stuck on the outside of the window!”
Consolidation Pt 2
Smith & Wesson announced today that it has acquired Savage Arms from JDH Holdings in a $160 million stock-and-cash transaction.
The move brings the 132-year-old Massachusetts-based Savage Arms, known best for its accurate and innovative rifles and shotguns, squarely under the umbrella of the even more senior 174-year-old S&W. For its part, Smith & Wesson already has a healthy catalog of modern pistols, revolvers, lever guns, suppressors, and modern sporting rifles.
Smith & Wesson stated the acquisition “creates a compelling platform to generate sustainable, long-term growth” in its press release announcing the move.
“The acquisition of Savage is transformative for Smith & Wesson and contributes to our objective of becoming the undisputed market leader in the firearm industry,” said Mark Smith, president and CEO of Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc. “With this transaction, we have significantly expanded our presence in the hunting category, particularly in bolt-action rifles, which will enable us to better serve our customers.”
Okay, I guess. I like the idea of S&W and Savage under the same roof, so to speak, because by and large they don’t have much overlap in general terms. To simplify the thing: Smith doesn’t make precision rifles, and Savage doesn’t make revolvers, so that should work out okay.
The problem I have with this (and the Beretta/Ruger merger) is that it simplifies the market, and not necessarily for the better. Now, instead of four large gun companies, we have two giant ones — and in principle, I don’t like oligarchies; I like competition to come from all over the place.
I’m reserving judgment on this merger — and feel free to tell me if I’ve completely missed the point — but I have to say, I have a bad feeling in my gut about it.
Out In The Open
If we start to think that “concealed truth” means “ulterior motive”, then:
Now you know. And yes, it’s time for “teenagers” and “youths” to be similarly unmasked.
We already know what “mostly peaceful” means.
While I Was Away
…I binge-watched the outstanding Hinterland TV series (again), and it’s just as powerful as I remembered. (Warning: it’s set in Wales, so there’s an Unpronounceable Name Alert. But the dialogue is crisp and comprehensible, despite that.)
Also, I revived my double crush on Mali Harries (she of the exquisite, porcelain-like skin):
…and Hannah Daniel (the gorgeous blonde sergeant with drop-dead dimples):
Twenty (20) straight hours of moody, intense viewing. In a couple of years, I’ll probably do it again.
Update: Longtime Reader Mike S. writes:
“Yeah, I enjoyed HINTERLAND but did need subtitles for the first few episodes.
“Loved the scenery (both landscapes and female) but the plots were too damn depressing.
“Don’t think I could binge watch the series.”
Ya big wuss.
News Summary
...yeah, try peddling the fear thing somewhere else. We’re done with it.
...to the surprise of absolutely nobody.
...curfews being about as useful as gun control laws for constraining the lawless. And:
...yup. Keep the pool clean and you won’t have bacterial outbreaks in the water.
...and if anyone thinks that this will result in lower utilities prices in Britishland, I have a NYC bridge to sell you. Speaking of morons:
...final proof that prolonged smoking of weed can fuck your brain up irreparably.
...wake me up for the perp walk.
#NotGonnaHappen
...remember this incident the next time ICE agents shoot some asshole for trying to run them over.
...until the AfD is banned outright.
#EuroAssholes
Alfa Romeo’s New Giulia Shooting Brake
Looks Too Good to Be True
...it’s just a station wagon, FFS. (Alfa Romeo: manufacturers of disappointment since 1975.)
...in other news, Lee surrenders to Grant at Appomattox.
...well, so much for that approach.
...which would be one reason why White Brit women seem to be so enamored of African men. And speaking of chicks who won’t cause erections:
...oh, joy. She was horrible back then, and the passing of time has not made any improvements. (No pics because mass vomiting.)
Airline passenger asked to tip 18% at
self-checkout kiosk
…#PayCashToAvoidRipoffsLikeThis
...I wondered where she’s been. Hiding under several men, no doubt.
...finally, some body [sic] worth looking at. [insert “fine vintages” line here]