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My base theory on this comes from the point of view of Colonialism.

Countries founded on resource extraction (fish, fur, gold, silver, coal, iron as some examples) that were started by other countries (hey Britain... [and so many others]) will always have a lack of "culture" in comparison to other countries that were not founded that way (the flip side being that the indigenous peoples of those colonized lands tend to have quite robust cultures).

The culture is "generate wealth" (which in a lot of ways has spread through the USA sphere of influence) and that's hollow. And the entertainment and hobbies also reflect that.

Sure, there is a lot of imported culture as well (Melting Pot vs. Multicultural notwithstanding) and that's great and adds wonderfully but it is also usually acknowledged as "It came from the old country".

It's tough to "build a culture" when "everyone" is busy extracting wealth.

I see culture as something that develops when a person or peoples cannot be easily distracted by the lure of money or other novelty.

This allows for things like patronage to occur, and that's important.

Advances on screenplays and books is important.

Going for the result of "money" or "good grade" leads to things, as I see, like AI art and AI finished assignments.

The U.S.'s focus on wealth extraction rather than value creation means all activity is measured as a revenue opportunity. As a friend pointed out a minute ago: We can't build affordable housing because families' wealth is tied up in their homes. Initiatives in healthcare, housing, education and the food chain are all measured against their ability to generate revenue. Lost revenue locks us into fossil fuels — though wind and solar are generating wealth and jobs, much of that financial value doesn't exist yet. And that's not the point of wind and solar anyway — the point is to avoid burning down the planet.

People are desperate to keep from falling behind economically, and therefore don't think about long-term threats like Long Covid and climate change.

As another friend pointed out: if James Bond went up against a supervillain in real life, the local community would rally around the supervillian. He's a job creator! the local community would say. Look at how many henchman and crony positions he's created!

We can't even enjoy our hobbies anymore without pressure to make money off of them. Why have a hobby when you can have a side-hustle!

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Alternate pics from this post...

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(source)

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"Headquarters, this is Rock 'N Roll. We've caught them with their pants down. Captured two snakes that were loading the H.M.S. but the H.I.S.S. spotted us and sped away leaving them in the dust. We have ourselves H.I.S.S. Techno-Viper and H.I.S.S. Fire Team Officer. Storm Shadow and Beach Head are keeping watch while Shockwave and Leatherneck keep a parameter. Snake Eyes and Spirit are right here with me. Oh... and Timber and Freedom are being vigilant like usual. What would you like us to with the H.M.S. and these snakes?"

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Night Force Shockwave, Snake Eyes, Timber, Storm Shadow, Beach Head, Rock 'N Roll and Leatherneck gather to plan the assault on the Cobra base.

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Rock 'N Roll checks in with HQ as Leatherneck sets up the parameter...

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Crimson Strike Team gets ready for a high value target.

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Fractal for Friday, July 11, 2025

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The Crimson Twins Xamot and Tomax attack Leatherneck and Breaker on a Cobra Ferret while the RAM Cycle needs repair!

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The Crimson Twins with an Crimson Guard, Crimson Viper, Crimson B.A.T. and Crimson Alley Viper escort while the tour the new Cobra facilities.

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Tomax and Xamot Paoli, with their Crimson Guard, Crimson Viper and Crimson B.A.T. escort tour the new Cobra underground levels while Cobra Commander and Baroness observe.

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The Baroness and Cobra Commander discuss the latest intel while she gets the Cobra C.O.I.L. ready for another mission.

Tomax and Xamot Paoli, accompanied by their Crimson Guards and a Crimson B.A.T., tour the new facilities.

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Testing some display ideas for the Cobra side of life.

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Fractal for Friday, July 04, 2025

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"It's the ambience of the apocalypse that I like the most..."

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and here's the HasLab link;

G.I. Joe Classified Series Snow C.A.T. (Combat All-Terrain) Vehicle With Farley "Frostbite" Seward Action Figure

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