Jan. 9th, 2020

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https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-51012853

Mexicans feel about Trump like Ukrainians about Putin.
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The prose is beautiful:
But between the storm and the complete lack of havens on this stretch of coastline, the two Roman fleets were so completely smashed that even the timbers from the wrecks were useless.

...

I cannot here give a thorough account of these struggles: the opposing generals* were like a pair of exceptionally brave and skillful boxers fighting it out in a contest for first prize, who pummel each other so incessantly with blow after blow that it is impossible for either the contestants or the spectators to note and anticipate every single attack or punch, though the overall vigour and determination displayed by the two men can be used to gain an adequate impression of their skill and strength and courage.

They tried everything—traditional ideas, improvised tactics dictated by particular circumstances, and schemes that involved risk and aggressive daring—but for many reasons decisive success eluded them: their forces were evenly matched, their camps were impregnable, and the two camps were extremely close to each other. Their proximity was the main reason why every day there were incessant minor engagements, but nothing decisive happened.

But Fortune, like a good umpire, unexpectedly moved the contestants out of this arena and increased the riskiness of the contest by decreasing the size of the ring.

--- Polybius, the Histories.

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