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Friday 19 April 2024
News and Commentary for April 19, 2024From Uncover DC: Election 2024: How to Win Elections With Open Borders. [Ed: mail-in voting should be eliminated except for illness or infirmity.]
From Public Substack: Desperation Behind European Politicians’ Latest Russiagate Hoax. The success of right-wing German political party AfD led European politicians to abuse their powers, perhaps illegally. [Ed: now they say "no evidence".]
Biden's Uncle Eaten by Cannibals. From Zero Hedge: Watch: Biden Falsely Claims That WWII Uncle Eaten By Cannibals, Twice, [Ed: this man is President of the U.S. I'm going to bed now.] From Jonathan Turley: No, The President’s Uncle Was Not Eaten by Cannibals . . . Seriously.
Everyday Finances. From the Federalist: How Bidenomics Shattered The American Dream Of Homeownership.
From Asia Times: Behold China’s consumer paradise. Economists may not see it yet in the numbers but for foodies, shoppers and travelers China is consumption heaven on earth
Israel-Iran. From Zero Hedge: Iran Says It Could Pursue Nuclear Weapons If Israel Threatens Atomic Sites. Would "reconsider" its nuclear policy... [Ed: and another step toward.]
From Public Substack: Desperation Behind European Politicians’ Latest Russiagate Hoax. The success of right-wing German political party AfD led European politicians to abuse their powers, perhaps illegally. [Ed: now they say "no evidence".]
Biden's Uncle Eaten by Cannibals. From Zero Hedge: Watch: Biden Falsely Claims That WWII Uncle Eaten By Cannibals, Twice, [Ed: this man is President of the U.S. I'm going to bed now.] From Jonathan Turley: No, The President’s Uncle Was Not Eaten by Cannibals . . . Seriously.
Everyday Finances. From the Federalist: How Bidenomics Shattered The American Dream Of Homeownership.
From Asia Times: Behold China’s consumer paradise. Economists may not see it yet in the numbers but for foodies, shoppers and travelers China is consumption heaven on earth
Israel-Iran. From Zero Hedge: Iran Says It Could Pursue Nuclear Weapons If Israel Threatens Atomic Sites. Would "reconsider" its nuclear policy... [Ed: and another step toward.]
Thursday 18 April 2024
Baltasar Gracian's Aphorism #293: Maturity Transmutes the Inner Man into Gold.Baltasar Gracian's Aphorism #293: Maturity Transmutes the Inner Man into Gold.
It is shown in the costume, still more in the customs. Material weight is the sign of a precious metal; moral, of a precious man. Maturity gives finish to his capacity and arouses respect. A composed bearing in a man forms a façade to his soul. It does not consist in the insensibility of fools, as frivolity would have it, but in a calm tone of authority. With men of this kind, sentences are orations and acts are deeds. Maturity finishes a man off, for each is so far a complete man according as he possesses maturity. On ceasing to be a child, a man begins to gain seriousness and authority.
It is shown in the costume, still more in the customs. Material weight is the sign of a precious metal; moral, of a precious man. Maturity gives finish to his capacity and arouses respect. A composed bearing in a man forms a façade to his soul. It does not consist in the insensibility of fools, as frivolity would have it, but in a calm tone of authority. With men of this kind, sentences are orations and acts are deeds. Maturity finishes a man off, for each is so far a complete man according as he possesses maturity. On ceasing to be a child, a man begins to gain seriousness and authority.
News and Commentary for April 18, 2024Assange. From Craig Murray: The Farce of Diplomatic Assurances. From Sky News: Last month, the High Court in London said Assange would be able to bring a new appeal against extradition unless US lawyers provided certain guarantees. [Ed: the U.S. provided the assurances on Tuesday: no death penalty and protection of 1st Amendment rights. Yeah, sure...maybe the 1st one.]
From Politico: Senate leaders haggle over Mayorkas impeachment deal as trial begins. Senators are weighing an agreement that would grant a few hours of debate before a vote to shut down the trial, according to Sen. Thom Tillis. [Ed: passed in the House...let's see about the Senate. A much tougher climb.]
From iHeartdogs: Dog Vs. Tater Tot…AKA The Funniest Battle You’ve Ever Seen. [Ed: I suspect a set up. But this is fun.]
From CNN: Supreme Court hears arguments over obstruction law used against January 6 rioters.
Upcoming U.S. Election. From Zero Hedge: RFK Jr Won't Pursue Libertarian Nomination, Says Team Trump Asked Him To Be VP. [Ed: main reason politicians consider this is to take advantage of the LP's qualification in 50 states.]
From Mish Talk: Trump Media Group (DJT) Are the Shares Headed to Zero? [Ed: the goal of the Dems and the trials is to destroy Trump and eliminate a political opponent. 3rd world stuff.]
Cloud Seeding? From Arabian Business: UAE heavy rains, thunder, and more: Inside the NCM’s cloud seeding missions. From the Associated Press: Dubai Gets Year and a Half's Worth of Rain in 1 Day. United Arab Emirates is being lashed with 'unusual' weather. From NDTV: Explained: How UAE Creates Artificial Rain, Linked To Dubai Weather Chaos. From National News: Enough rumours, cloud seeding had nothing to do with UAE's three-day rain storm. [Ed: and for the contrary view.]
From the BBC: Russia to grow faster than all advanced economies says IMF. [Ed: doesn't this make Russia an advanced economy?]
Ukraine. From Naked Capitalism: Lenin Revised— Russian Military Power Means De-Electrification And Unconditional Surrender Of The Kiev Regime. [Ed: by John Helmer of the Dances with Bears site.]
From Newser: Hannah Gutierrez-Reed Gets Maximum Sentence. 'You alone turned a safe weapon into a lethal weapon,' judge tells 'Rust' armorer.
From Good News Network: Man Who Built Adorable Mouse Village to Cope With Depression Adds a Pub, Book Shop, and Hobbit Homes–LOOK.
From Business Insider: AI Job Cuts: Banks Reportedly Eye Cutting Analyst Classes by Two-Thirds Business Insider. [Ed: they said computers would put most of the population out of work. I think AI, when it shakes out, will create more jobs than it eliminates.]
From Epoch Bright: Newfoundland Dog Falls in Love With 94-Year-Old Grandma, Waits at Porch Everyday to Meet Her
From Real Clear Politics: A Generation Lost To Climate Anxiety. "...it has rendered reasonable debate on climate policy impossible..."
Iran-U.S. From Politico: Has Biden Considered Having an Iran Strategy? We can quibble on what counts as a strategy, but keeping a challenge off the president’s desk is not one. [Ed: this criticism from a left publication.] AND House passes host of bills targeting Iran after attack on Israel. There is no indication yet that the Senate will act on any of the measures. [Ed: great. Another slew of legislation passed in the heat of conflict.] From the Babylon Bee: Biden Retaliates Against Iran By Attaching Note To Pallet Of Cash That Says 'Please Do Not Use For Terrorism'
From Lovely Animal World: 50+ Of The Happiest Dog Memes That Will Keep You Laughing For Hours. [Ed: I usually don't like meme lists but these made me laugh.]
From NPR: To make sure grandmas like his don't get conned, he scams the scammers.
Iran-Israel. From Iranian Students' News Agency: Iran ready to respond with more decisive manner: Parliamentary official. [Ed: always useful to read the "other side".] From Anadolu Agency: Iran says if Israel attacks again, response will be ‘within seconds’. [Ed: unlike the last time when Iran signaled for several days in advance and the attack itself took about 5 hours to arrive in Israel. How will the iron dome and allied support hold up without such warning?]
Covid. From Nature: US COVID-origins hearing puts scientific journals in the hot seat. From Zero Hedge: "We Have 15,000 Samples In Wuhan ... Could Do Full Genomes Of 700 CoVs": Rand Paul Drops COVID Bombshell. "Daszak lies even when the facts are in full view and the lies are obvious..." [Ed: as far as I can see, Fauci is either a mass murderer or complicit in mass murder.]
Israel. From Haaretz: Saying What Can't Be Said: Israel Has Been Defeated – a Total Defeat. The war's aims won't be achieved, the hostages won't be returned through military pressure, security won't be restored and Israel's international ostracism won't end. [Ed: sounds right.]
From Twitter/X: Still the BEST sports commentary of all-time. [Ed: dogs, of course.]
From Politico: Senate leaders haggle over Mayorkas impeachment deal as trial begins. Senators are weighing an agreement that would grant a few hours of debate before a vote to shut down the trial, according to Sen. Thom Tillis. [Ed: passed in the House...let's see about the Senate. A much tougher climb.]
From iHeartdogs: Dog Vs. Tater Tot…AKA The Funniest Battle You’ve Ever Seen. [Ed: I suspect a set up. But this is fun.]
From CNN: Supreme Court hears arguments over obstruction law used against January 6 rioters.
Upcoming U.S. Election. From Zero Hedge: RFK Jr Won't Pursue Libertarian Nomination, Says Team Trump Asked Him To Be VP. [Ed: main reason politicians consider this is to take advantage of the LP's qualification in 50 states.]
From Mish Talk: Trump Media Group (DJT) Are the Shares Headed to Zero? [Ed: the goal of the Dems and the trials is to destroy Trump and eliminate a political opponent. 3rd world stuff.]
Cloud Seeding? From Arabian Business: UAE heavy rains, thunder, and more: Inside the NCM’s cloud seeding missions. From the Associated Press: Dubai Gets Year and a Half's Worth of Rain in 1 Day. United Arab Emirates is being lashed with 'unusual' weather. From NDTV: Explained: How UAE Creates Artificial Rain, Linked To Dubai Weather Chaos. From National News: Enough rumours, cloud seeding had nothing to do with UAE's three-day rain storm. [Ed: and for the contrary view.]
From the BBC: Russia to grow faster than all advanced economies says IMF. [Ed: doesn't this make Russia an advanced economy?]
Ukraine. From Naked Capitalism: Lenin Revised— Russian Military Power Means De-Electrification And Unconditional Surrender Of The Kiev Regime. [Ed: by John Helmer of the Dances with Bears site.]
From Newser: Hannah Gutierrez-Reed Gets Maximum Sentence. 'You alone turned a safe weapon into a lethal weapon,' judge tells 'Rust' armorer.
From Good News Network: Man Who Built Adorable Mouse Village to Cope With Depression Adds a Pub, Book Shop, and Hobbit Homes–LOOK.
From Business Insider: AI Job Cuts: Banks Reportedly Eye Cutting Analyst Classes by Two-Thirds Business Insider. [Ed: they said computers would put most of the population out of work. I think AI, when it shakes out, will create more jobs than it eliminates.]
From Epoch Bright: Newfoundland Dog Falls in Love With 94-Year-Old Grandma, Waits at Porch Everyday to Meet Her
From Real Clear Politics: A Generation Lost To Climate Anxiety. "...it has rendered reasonable debate on climate policy impossible..."
Iran-U.S. From Politico: Has Biden Considered Having an Iran Strategy? We can quibble on what counts as a strategy, but keeping a challenge off the president’s desk is not one. [Ed: this criticism from a left publication.] AND House passes host of bills targeting Iran after attack on Israel. There is no indication yet that the Senate will act on any of the measures. [Ed: great. Another slew of legislation passed in the heat of conflict.] From the Babylon Bee: Biden Retaliates Against Iran By Attaching Note To Pallet Of Cash That Says 'Please Do Not Use For Terrorism'
From Lovely Animal World: 50+ Of The Happiest Dog Memes That Will Keep You Laughing For Hours. [Ed: I usually don't like meme lists but these made me laugh.]
From NPR: To make sure grandmas like his don't get conned, he scams the scammers.
Iran-Israel. From Iranian Students' News Agency: Iran ready to respond with more decisive manner: Parliamentary official. [Ed: always useful to read the "other side".] From Anadolu Agency: Iran says if Israel attacks again, response will be ‘within seconds’. [Ed: unlike the last time when Iran signaled for several days in advance and the attack itself took about 5 hours to arrive in Israel. How will the iron dome and allied support hold up without such warning?]
Covid. From Nature: US COVID-origins hearing puts scientific journals in the hot seat. From Zero Hedge: "We Have 15,000 Samples In Wuhan ... Could Do Full Genomes Of 700 CoVs": Rand Paul Drops COVID Bombshell. "Daszak lies even when the facts are in full view and the lies are obvious..." [Ed: as far as I can see, Fauci is either a mass murderer or complicit in mass murder.]
Israel. From Haaretz: Saying What Can't Be Said: Israel Has Been Defeated – a Total Defeat. The war's aims won't be achieved, the hostages won't be returned through military pressure, security won't be restored and Israel's international ostracism won't end. [Ed: sounds right.]
From Twitter/X: Still the BEST sports commentary of all-time. [Ed: dogs, of course.]
Wednesday 17 April 2024
Baltasar Gracian's Aphorism #292: Let your personal Qualities surpass those of your Office,Baltasar Gracian's Aphorism #292: Let your personal Qualities surpass those of your Office,
Let it not be the other way about. How-ever high the post, the person should be higher. An extensive capacity expands and dilates more and more as his office becomes higher. On the other hand, the narrow-minded will easily lose heart and come to grief with diminished responsibilities and reputation. The great Augustus thought more of being a great man than a great prince. Here a lofty mind finds fit place, and well-grounded confidence finds its opportunity.
Let it not be the other way about. How-ever high the post, the person should be higher. An extensive capacity expands and dilates more and more as his office becomes higher. On the other hand, the narrow-minded will easily lose heart and come to grief with diminished responsibilities and reputation. The great Augustus thought more of being a great man than a great prince. Here a lofty mind finds fit place, and well-grounded confidence finds its opportunity.
News and Commentary for April 17, 2024From Consortium News: US Issues Assurances on Assange.UPDATED: The United States on Tuesday met the deadline with assurances on the death penalty and the 1st Amendment, the latter of which Stella Assange called a “non-assurance.”
AI. From Politico.EU: Spot the deepfake: The AI tools undermining our own eyes and ears. Affordable and accessible generative AI tools have led to a rise in false video, images and audio on social media. Can you spot the difference? [Ed: given that I don't believe anything the real politicians say, the deep fakes are not so much a problem for me. But this is an interesting exercise.] AND How people view AI, disinformation and elections — in charts. Polls worldwide show an apprehension toward the emerging tech — and gaps in understanding how it works and its impact on election-related falsehoods. From Reuters: Baidu Says AI Chatbot 'Ernie Bot' Has Attracted 200 Million Users. [Ed: apparently someone trusts AI enough to use it.]
From the Bored Panda: Molly The Magpie Reunites With Family After Forcibly Being Taken Away From Home. [Ed: wonderful. the bird is best buds with dogs Peggy and Ruby.]
From Newser: Johnson's 'Gigantic Gamble:' 4 Different Votes This Week. Speaker plans separate bills on Ukraine and Israel, all while trying to keep his job. [Ed: I think he is toast but I've been wrong before.]
From Eugyppius: Transport Minister Threatens Germans With "Indefinite Weekend Driving Ban" To Meet Mandated Emissions Targets. [Ed: and the insanity continues.]
Upcoming U.S. Elections. From Just the News: Green Bay broke same-day voter registration rules, allowed illegal votes, election group alleges. "Same-day voter registration allows people to cast votes with verification of their eligibility after an election. This post-verification system makes same-day registration vulnerable to being used to cast fraudulent votes," said Lauren Bowman Bis. From Zero Hedge: : Shadowy Mayorkas-Linked NGO In Mexico Tells Border Invaders To "Vote Biden".
From Spiked: The heroes of Westfield Sydney. Those who took on the knifeman are the best of humanity. [Ed: a good reminder.]
From Krebs on Security: Crickets from Chirp Systems in Smart Lock Key Leak.
From Good News Network: In World First, Scientists Share What Was Almost Certainly a Conversation with a Humpback Whale.
American Cities. From Law Enforcement Today: 'Sanctuary city' Denver takes funding from police and fire, announces its $89.9M budget for illegal immigrants flooding their streets. 'Sanctuary city' Denver takes funding from police and fire, announces its $89.9M budget for illegal immigrants flooding their streets.From Benzinga: Crime-Ridden San Francisco Seeks To Allow Lawsuits Against Grocery Stores Fleeing The City As Mass Corporate Exodus Continues. [Ed: this will only ensure that no new grocery stores will open.]
From Politico.EU: Brussels police move to shut down Farage and Orbán’s right-wing jamboree. “Tinpot dictatorship” fumed one of the National Conservatism Conference organizers. [Ed: expect more crack-downs on the far-right or even moderate right. They are threatened the Powers That Be in the EU.]
Israel-Iran-U.S., From Zero Hedge: Israel Says Readying 'Imminent' Attack On Iran As Airlines Cancel Flights To Region. Israeli media: War cabinet decides to hit Iran back hard... [Ed: Iran says it will respond hard. Dammit.] From antiwar: Biden’s Irresponsible War Doctrine Led to Iran’s Attack on Israel. From Gilbert Doctorow: What you need to know about the Iranian attack on Israel but will not find in your mainstream news provider. [Ed: a must read.] From Dances with Bears: Loose Lips Don't Sink Ships. [Ed: another must read.] From Mondoweiss: ‘Operation Al-Aqsa Flood’ Day 192: European countries urge Israel not to respond to Iran attack; Israeli army targets Gazans returning north.
From Pawbuzz: Dad Notices His Pup Struggling At The End Of The Driveway. And Then He Sees It.
From Yahoo Finance: "Returning To Petrol": Volkswagen EV Sales Plunge 25% In Europe. Demand for electric vehicles has dipped as governments in Europe reduce subsidies and soften ambitious goals to phase out petrol and diesel cars. [Ed: if they were going to catch on, they wouldn't need taxpayer funding.]
From Zero Hedge: US Says Over 90 Missiles & Drones Were Launched From Yemen In Past 48 Hours. Houthi anti-ship ballistic missile at one point directly targeted US Navy ships... [Ed: is the oh-so-dreaded regional war already being waged? I say "oh-so-dreaded" with bitterness because some elites are itching for one.]
Big Picture Economics. From Zero Hedge: US Housing Starts Collapsed In March - Biggest Drop Since COVID Lockdowns. ...led by a collapse in rental property construction. AND Bank of America Reports Solid Earnings But CRE Losses Unexpectedly Surge. Banks are starting to finally pass massive CRE/office losses through the Income statement. How ugly is it about to get? [Ed: CRE=commercial real estate.] From the Libertarian Institute: Embracing Deflation.
From Lovely animals World: Every Time His Owner Says “Hello”, This Dog On The Left Does Something Incredible. Wow!
From Zero Hedge: Instead Of Introspection, NPR Suspends Veteran Journalist Who Called Out Partisan Trainwreck. 25 years... [Ed: that's how long he worked at NPR.]
J6. From the Epoch Times: Star Jan. 6 Witness Changed 47 Answers After Testifying: Document. [Ed: this is a witness for the gov., not for the J6 prisoners or Trump. Pretty significant changes, as well.] AND Supreme Court Justices Seem Skeptical of Jan. 6 Obstruction Charge Used in Trump Case.
From Zero Hedge: Brink Of Unrest? Migrants "Flood" NYC City Hall In Protest Of Losing Luxury Hotel Rooms. This is insane! [Ed: close to open rebellion. Hell, it is open rebellion in the streets.] From the New York Post: Over 1,000 African migrants swarm NYC’s City Hall over supposed falsely promised green cards. [Ed: both reasons could be true.]
From Oil Price: This is The Death Knell For Iraqi Kurdistan’s Independence
From 7 San Diego: US Navy Finds Puppy Thought to Be Lost at Sea. Luna, a German Shepherd, went missing at sea on Feb. 10 and was presumed dead for nearly five weeks
AI. From Politico.EU: Spot the deepfake: The AI tools undermining our own eyes and ears. Affordable and accessible generative AI tools have led to a rise in false video, images and audio on social media. Can you spot the difference? [Ed: given that I don't believe anything the real politicians say, the deep fakes are not so much a problem for me. But this is an interesting exercise.] AND How people view AI, disinformation and elections — in charts. Polls worldwide show an apprehension toward the emerging tech — and gaps in understanding how it works and its impact on election-related falsehoods. From Reuters: Baidu Says AI Chatbot 'Ernie Bot' Has Attracted 200 Million Users. [Ed: apparently someone trusts AI enough to use it.]
From the Bored Panda: Molly The Magpie Reunites With Family After Forcibly Being Taken Away From Home. [Ed: wonderful. the bird is best buds with dogs Peggy and Ruby.]
From Newser: Johnson's 'Gigantic Gamble:' 4 Different Votes This Week. Speaker plans separate bills on Ukraine and Israel, all while trying to keep his job. [Ed: I think he is toast but I've been wrong before.]
From Eugyppius: Transport Minister Threatens Germans With "Indefinite Weekend Driving Ban" To Meet Mandated Emissions Targets. [Ed: and the insanity continues.]
Upcoming U.S. Elections. From Just the News: Green Bay broke same-day voter registration rules, allowed illegal votes, election group alleges. "Same-day voter registration allows people to cast votes with verification of their eligibility after an election. This post-verification system makes same-day registration vulnerable to being used to cast fraudulent votes," said Lauren Bowman Bis. From Zero Hedge: : Shadowy Mayorkas-Linked NGO In Mexico Tells Border Invaders To "Vote Biden".
From Spiked: The heroes of Westfield Sydney. Those who took on the knifeman are the best of humanity. [Ed: a good reminder.]
From Krebs on Security: Crickets from Chirp Systems in Smart Lock Key Leak.
From Good News Network: In World First, Scientists Share What Was Almost Certainly a Conversation with a Humpback Whale.
American Cities. From Law Enforcement Today: 'Sanctuary city' Denver takes funding from police and fire, announces its $89.9M budget for illegal immigrants flooding their streets. 'Sanctuary city' Denver takes funding from police and fire, announces its $89.9M budget for illegal immigrants flooding their streets.From Benzinga: Crime-Ridden San Francisco Seeks To Allow Lawsuits Against Grocery Stores Fleeing The City As Mass Corporate Exodus Continues. [Ed: this will only ensure that no new grocery stores will open.]
From Politico.EU: Brussels police move to shut down Farage and Orbán’s right-wing jamboree. “Tinpot dictatorship” fumed one of the National Conservatism Conference organizers. [Ed: expect more crack-downs on the far-right or even moderate right. They are threatened the Powers That Be in the EU.]
Israel-Iran-U.S., From Zero Hedge: Israel Says Readying 'Imminent' Attack On Iran As Airlines Cancel Flights To Region. Israeli media: War cabinet decides to hit Iran back hard... [Ed: Iran says it will respond hard. Dammit.] From antiwar: Biden’s Irresponsible War Doctrine Led to Iran’s Attack on Israel. From Gilbert Doctorow: What you need to know about the Iranian attack on Israel but will not find in your mainstream news provider. [Ed: a must read.] From Dances with Bears: Loose Lips Don't Sink Ships. [Ed: another must read.] From Mondoweiss: ‘Operation Al-Aqsa Flood’ Day 192: European countries urge Israel not to respond to Iran attack; Israeli army targets Gazans returning north.
From Pawbuzz: Dad Notices His Pup Struggling At The End Of The Driveway. And Then He Sees It.
From Yahoo Finance: "Returning To Petrol": Volkswagen EV Sales Plunge 25% In Europe. Demand for electric vehicles has dipped as governments in Europe reduce subsidies and soften ambitious goals to phase out petrol and diesel cars. [Ed: if they were going to catch on, they wouldn't need taxpayer funding.]
From Zero Hedge: US Says Over 90 Missiles & Drones Were Launched From Yemen In Past 48 Hours. Houthi anti-ship ballistic missile at one point directly targeted US Navy ships... [Ed: is the oh-so-dreaded regional war already being waged? I say "oh-so-dreaded" with bitterness because some elites are itching for one.]
Big Picture Economics. From Zero Hedge: US Housing Starts Collapsed In March - Biggest Drop Since COVID Lockdowns. ...led by a collapse in rental property construction. AND Bank of America Reports Solid Earnings But CRE Losses Unexpectedly Surge. Banks are starting to finally pass massive CRE/office losses through the Income statement. How ugly is it about to get? [Ed: CRE=commercial real estate.] From the Libertarian Institute: Embracing Deflation.
From Lovely animals World: Every Time His Owner Says “Hello”, This Dog On The Left Does Something Incredible. Wow!
From Zero Hedge: Instead Of Introspection, NPR Suspends Veteran Journalist Who Called Out Partisan Trainwreck. 25 years... [Ed: that's how long he worked at NPR.]
J6. From the Epoch Times: Star Jan. 6 Witness Changed 47 Answers After Testifying: Document. [Ed: this is a witness for the gov., not for the J6 prisoners or Trump. Pretty significant changes, as well.] AND Supreme Court Justices Seem Skeptical of Jan. 6 Obstruction Charge Used in Trump Case.
From Zero Hedge: Brink Of Unrest? Migrants "Flood" NYC City Hall In Protest Of Losing Luxury Hotel Rooms. This is insane! [Ed: close to open rebellion. Hell, it is open rebellion in the streets.] From the New York Post: Over 1,000 African migrants swarm NYC’s City Hall over supposed falsely promised green cards. [Ed: both reasons could be true.]
From Oil Price: This is The Death Knell For Iraqi Kurdistan’s Independence
From 7 San Diego: US Navy Finds Puppy Thought to Be Lost at Sea. Luna, a German Shepherd, went missing at sea on Feb. 10 and was presumed dead for nearly five weeks
Tuesday 16 April 2024
Baltasar Gracian's Aphorism #291: Know How to TestBaltasar Gracian's Aphorism #291: Know How to Test
The care of the wise must guard against the snare of the wicked. Great judgment is needed to test another person. It is more important to know the characteristics and properties of persons than those of vegetables and minerals. It is indeed one of the shrewdest things in life. You can tell metals by their ring and men by their voice. Words show integrity, but deeds are more certain indicators. Here one requires extraordinary care, deep observation, subtle discernment, and judicious decision.
My interpretation: it is crucial to know how to listen and how to watch. When I am trying to figure a person out, I always listen to whether or not the tone of his voice matches his words. I remember one of my first meetings with a fellow who I grew to dislike immensely. He was describing how a young man and father who was his neighbor had just dropped dead of a heart attack; his tone was light as though the story had a punchline joke to it. I made a point of listening to him more closely after that and quickly decided to believe his tone and not his words. I always watch a person's body language as well to see whether it matches his words and/or tone of voice. There are some easy give-aways in terms of insincerity.--when a person is melodramatic in his term or gestures, for example, a warning bell should ring. My purpose in being so attentive is to find out whether the person "adds up" in how he is presenting himself. Caveat: some people are nervous sorts or socially awkward and these qualities can come out in behavior that should not be confused with insincerity. At least, not an insincerity that is meant to deceive. The behavior might well be defensive or meant to please others.
It happens rarely but it does happen; sometimes a person's words are contradicted by his tone of voice, which are both contradicted by his body language. The most egregious case of this was a man (J.) who confused the heck out of me at first. I persisted in trying to understand him because libertarian events threw us together more often than I would have chosen. I never did succeed but we both moved away and contact between us ceased. This solution was as good or better than my understanding anything about him.
The care of the wise must guard against the snare of the wicked. Great judgment is needed to test another person. It is more important to know the characteristics and properties of persons than those of vegetables and minerals. It is indeed one of the shrewdest things in life. You can tell metals by their ring and men by their voice. Words show integrity, but deeds are more certain indicators. Here one requires extraordinary care, deep observation, subtle discernment, and judicious decision.
My interpretation: it is crucial to know how to listen and how to watch. When I am trying to figure a person out, I always listen to whether or not the tone of his voice matches his words. I remember one of my first meetings with a fellow who I grew to dislike immensely. He was describing how a young man and father who was his neighbor had just dropped dead of a heart attack; his tone was light as though the story had a punchline joke to it. I made a point of listening to him more closely after that and quickly decided to believe his tone and not his words. I always watch a person's body language as well to see whether it matches his words and/or tone of voice. There are some easy give-aways in terms of insincerity.--when a person is melodramatic in his term or gestures, for example, a warning bell should ring. My purpose in being so attentive is to find out whether the person "adds up" in how he is presenting himself. Caveat: some people are nervous sorts or socially awkward and these qualities can come out in behavior that should not be confused with insincerity. At least, not an insincerity that is meant to deceive. The behavior might well be defensive or meant to please others.
It happens rarely but it does happen; sometimes a person's words are contradicted by his tone of voice, which are both contradicted by his body language. The most egregious case of this was a man (J.) who confused the heck out of me at first. I persisted in trying to understand him because libertarian events threw us together more often than I would have chosen. I never did succeed but we both moved away and contact between us ceased. This solution was as good or better than my understanding anything about him.
Gold Is Doing Its Job by MN GordonGold Is Doing Its Job
by MN Gordon, Economic Prism
Taxpayer Funded Subsidies
On Monday, the U.S. Commerce Department announced it was awarding Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) a $6.6 billion CHIPS Act subsidy for the fabrication of computer microchips in Phoenix, Arizona. TSMC will also receive up to $5 billion in low-cost government loans.
In return, TSMC will expand its planned investment from $40 billion to $65 billion and add a third Arizona fabrication site by 2030. The company will be producing the world’s most advanced 2 nanometer technology at its second site starting in 2028.
The Commerce Department anticipates the development will create 6,000 long term manufacturing jobs and 20,000 shorter term construction jobs. With the AI arms race rapidly escalating, having semiconductor fabrication on American soil may be a strategic necessity. Nonetheless, subsidizing industry – in this case a foreign company – using American taxpayer dollars comes with lasting costs.
This is but one of countless examples of how the U.S. economy no longer functions through the free and mutual exchange of individual citizens in the marketplace. It is subject to extreme intervention from planners in the government.
These planners include members of Congress. And they pass ridiculous spending bills that condemn the American populace to a lifetime of debt servitude. Crony contracts. Pork barrel waste. Manufacturing subsidies. Social transfer payments. These costs all pile up on the national debt ledger.
The recent $1.2 trillion spending bill, for example, is over 1,000 pages. It includes massive giveaways for various departments such as Defense, Homeland Security, Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and State.
Are these departments really spending this money for the greater good?
[ Read the rest ... ]
by MN Gordon, Economic Prism
Taxpayer Funded Subsidies
On Monday, the U.S. Commerce Department announced it was awarding Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) a $6.6 billion CHIPS Act subsidy for the fabrication of computer microchips in Phoenix, Arizona. TSMC will also receive up to $5 billion in low-cost government loans.
In return, TSMC will expand its planned investment from $40 billion to $65 billion and add a third Arizona fabrication site by 2030. The company will be producing the world’s most advanced 2 nanometer technology at its second site starting in 2028.
The Commerce Department anticipates the development will create 6,000 long term manufacturing jobs and 20,000 shorter term construction jobs. With the AI arms race rapidly escalating, having semiconductor fabrication on American soil may be a strategic necessity. Nonetheless, subsidizing industry – in this case a foreign company – using American taxpayer dollars comes with lasting costs.
This is but one of countless examples of how the U.S. economy no longer functions through the free and mutual exchange of individual citizens in the marketplace. It is subject to extreme intervention from planners in the government.
These planners include members of Congress. And they pass ridiculous spending bills that condemn the American populace to a lifetime of debt servitude. Crony contracts. Pork barrel waste. Manufacturing subsidies. Social transfer payments. These costs all pile up on the national debt ledger.
The recent $1.2 trillion spending bill, for example, is over 1,000 pages. It includes massive giveaways for various departments such as Defense, Homeland Security, Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and State.
Are these departments really spending this money for the greater good?
[ Read the rest ... ]
News and Commentary for April 16, 2024From PJ Media: Supreme Court Will Hear Arguments on Tuesday That Could Overturn Convictions of Hundreds of J6 Rioters.
From Reason: Biden Hints at Freedom for Julian Assange. U.S. need for Australia’s cooperation in the Pacific may win the journalist’s release. [Ed: also Biden doesn't want all the controversylanding outside his pre-election doorway.]
From Almayadeen: Did British intelligence create a Neo-Nazi militia? [Ed: pretty damning, if true.]
From Epoch Times: Bears Enjoy a Swan Pedal Boat After Heavy Rain at Safari Park Creates a Makeshift Lake
Everyday Finances. From Just the News: America’s largest water district raising rates 40%, says conservation cut revenue. District in Southern California also is doubling the property taxes it levies from 0.0035% to 0.007 percent. [Ed: yet another reason to leave California.] From the Brownstone Institute: EPA Threatens Locally Produced Beef. In Another Blow to Decentralized Natural Meat Production, EPA Rule Indirectly Shuts Down Small Meat Producers via Clean Water Act Overreach. [Ed: expect beef to become more expensive and some cuts harder to find.] From Zero Hedge: Where US Inflation Hit The Hardest In March 2024. ...remember, Joe said they have 'lowered inflation' (not prices)...[Ed: useful chart.] AND Nominal Retail Sales Soared In March As Gas Prices Spiked. ... are Americans spending more... for less.
From the Associated Press: Civil War Is a Hit, Topping Forecasts. A24 has the biggest R-rated opening of the year [Ed: Not about the historical Civil War but a projected one. A24 is an American independent entertainment company.]
From Zero Hedge: Whistleblowers To Further Dismantle Jan. 6 National Guard Narrative About Trump. "On Wednesday, whistleblowers from the Washington DC National Guard are expected to tell Congressional investigators that former President Donald Trump wanted them deployed, but an Army Secretary, Ryan McCarthy, delayed..." [Ed: not that the MSM will take any note of it. And they wonder why people dismiss them as liars or worse.]
Media Update. From the Post Millennial: The Intercept 'nearly out of money' and 'facing its own bitter civil war': report. Semafor reports. From Jonathan Turley: “Profoundly Disrespectful, Hurtful, and Demeaning”: NPR CEO Strikes Out at Editor Who Exposed the Bias of Company.
From the Brownstone Institute: What Happened to Bitcoin? [Ed: excellent article and sound analysis.]
Euthanasia. From the Epoch Times: Quadriplegic Man in Quebec Given Assisted Death Over Bed Sores. [Ed: in terms of euthanasia, Canada is scary as hell.] From the European Conservative: Belgian Health Fund Chair Proposes ‘Voluntary’ Elderly Euthanasia. [Ed: of course, it saves money and *that* is the motive.]
From USA Today: Our credit card debt threatens to swamp our savings. Here's how to deal with both. "More than one-third of American adults – 36% – have more credit card debt than emergency savings, according to an annual survey by Bankrate,the personal finance site. In more than a decade of polling, the figure has never been higher." [Ed: if possible, GET OUT OF DEBT. You don't want to face the coming economic times with debt on your back.]
Ukraine. From Dances with Bears: Moscow Shines Spotlight on Who Comes After Zelensky. [Ed: the most interesting thing about this question is that it is being openly asked. I've seen it in several periodicals.]
From the Epoch Times: New York Suffers Record Rise in Potentially Deadly Disease Caused by Rat Urine. [Ed: America is becoming a 3rd world country...on purpose, it seems.]
From the Dodo: Homeowner Hears Screaming Outside — Then Finds Someone Hiding Under Her Car
From Science Alert: Scientists Invented a Bizarre New Material That Gets Tougher When You Hit It
The Upcoming U.S. Election. From Just the News: Conservatives urge House to hold hearing on Google Gemini over 2024 election integrity concerns. The hearing Republicans are calling for would increase public scrutiny on Google's AI application and potentially inherent bias. [Ed: necessary.] AND Fox, CNN and other major TV outlets urge Biden and Trump to commit to debates. [Ed: a dozen news media appealed to the candidates on Sunday to have pre-election debates. Such debates have occurred in every Pres. election since 1976. Bad news for Biden.]
From the New York Post: Gordon Ramsay’s London pub taken over by squatters: ‘Absolute nightmare scenario’. [Ed: yep, that's Gordon Ramsay, celebrity chef.]
Iran-Israel. From Dances with Bears: Russian Assessment Begins of the Iran Operation Against Israel. From Simplicius the Thinker: Iran Breaches Anglo-Zionist Defenses in Historic Attack: A Breakdown. [[/link]Ed: a different view from that of Western media.] From Moon of Alabama: The Resistance Axis Penetrated The Zionist Security Screen. [Ed: again, a different view.]
From People: Touching Tale of Adopting Neighbor's Surrendered Dog Gets Over 8 Million Views. [Ed: now they can play forever.]
Israel-U.S. From Reason: Biden Sends U.S. Forces To Protect Israel's Borders for the First Time Ever. Washington quietly funded Israeli-Iranian proxy wars for years. Now American men and women are directly involved. From Hot Air: Yes, Biden DID Approve Iran's Attack. [Ed: I have not checked out all the links. If true, this would explain America's muted reaction to the 'show' bombing.] From the Jerusalem Post: Iran informed Turkey in advance of its operation against Israel, "Iran informed Turkey in advance of its planned operation against Israel, a Turkish diplomatic source told Reuters on Sunday, adding that Washington had conveyed to Tehran via Ankara that any action it took had to be "within certain limits."" [Ed: if true...]
From the Epoch Times: Supreme Court Curbs Power of Local Governments to Impose Permitting Fees. The unanimous decision finds a California county’s development fees unconstitutional.
Trump Legal Woes. From Jonathan Turley: The Trump Trial In Manhattan Is An Indictment Of The New York Legal System. One does not have to be like Trump to repel from the spectacle about to unfold in Manhattan... [Ed: I do not like Trump--politician, you know--and I am repelled by his prosecution/persecution.] From Politico: Michael Cohen is an admitted liar. He’s still going to be the star witness against Trump. "If a jury doesn’t believe him, that’s it,” one former prosecutor said.
From Zero Hedge: Tesla To Slash Global Headcount By More Than 10%, Electrek Reports. "I would like to thank everyone who is departing Tesla for their hard work over the years. I'm deeply..." [Ed: Tesla has around 140,000 employees.]
From antiwar: UN Says No Improvement in Aid Access in Northern Gaza. [Ed: so Israel is still starving out the people. I expect the Iranian attack will solidify this strategy.]
From Moonbattery: Denver Pours Money on Illegals, Cuts Essential Services. [Ed: just like NYC and Chicago and...who knows where else? And, no, I am not against immigration. I'm against gov. handouts.]
From Daily Paws: Drone Helps Rescue 'Miracle' Golden Retriever Who Was Missing for 3 Months in Colorado Countryside. Farrah ran off after a car accident and lost about half her weight while she was on her own. [Ed: yeah. We searched this diligently for a dog.]
From Reason: Biden Hints at Freedom for Julian Assange. U.S. need for Australia’s cooperation in the Pacific may win the journalist’s release. [Ed: also Biden doesn't want all the controversylanding outside his pre-election doorway.]
From Almayadeen: Did British intelligence create a Neo-Nazi militia? [Ed: pretty damning, if true.]
From Epoch Times: Bears Enjoy a Swan Pedal Boat After Heavy Rain at Safari Park Creates a Makeshift Lake
Everyday Finances. From Just the News: America’s largest water district raising rates 40%, says conservation cut revenue. District in Southern California also is doubling the property taxes it levies from 0.0035% to 0.007 percent. [Ed: yet another reason to leave California.] From the Brownstone Institute: EPA Threatens Locally Produced Beef. In Another Blow to Decentralized Natural Meat Production, EPA Rule Indirectly Shuts Down Small Meat Producers via Clean Water Act Overreach. [Ed: expect beef to become more expensive and some cuts harder to find.] From Zero Hedge: Where US Inflation Hit The Hardest In March 2024. ...remember, Joe said they have 'lowered inflation' (not prices)...[Ed: useful chart.] AND Nominal Retail Sales Soared In March As Gas Prices Spiked. ... are Americans spending more... for less.
From the Associated Press: Civil War Is a Hit, Topping Forecasts. A24 has the biggest R-rated opening of the year [Ed: Not about the historical Civil War but a projected one. A24 is an American independent entertainment company.]
From Zero Hedge: Whistleblowers To Further Dismantle Jan. 6 National Guard Narrative About Trump. "On Wednesday, whistleblowers from the Washington DC National Guard are expected to tell Congressional investigators that former President Donald Trump wanted them deployed, but an Army Secretary, Ryan McCarthy, delayed..." [Ed: not that the MSM will take any note of it. And they wonder why people dismiss them as liars or worse.]
Media Update. From the Post Millennial: The Intercept 'nearly out of money' and 'facing its own bitter civil war': report. Semafor reports. From Jonathan Turley: “Profoundly Disrespectful, Hurtful, and Demeaning”: NPR CEO Strikes Out at Editor Who Exposed the Bias of Company.
From the Brownstone Institute: What Happened to Bitcoin? [Ed: excellent article and sound analysis.]
Euthanasia. From the Epoch Times: Quadriplegic Man in Quebec Given Assisted Death Over Bed Sores. [Ed: in terms of euthanasia, Canada is scary as hell.] From the European Conservative: Belgian Health Fund Chair Proposes ‘Voluntary’ Elderly Euthanasia. [Ed: of course, it saves money and *that* is the motive.]
From USA Today: Our credit card debt threatens to swamp our savings. Here's how to deal with both. "More than one-third of American adults – 36% – have more credit card debt than emergency savings, according to an annual survey by Bankrate,the personal finance site. In more than a decade of polling, the figure has never been higher." [Ed: if possible, GET OUT OF DEBT. You don't want to face the coming economic times with debt on your back.]
Ukraine. From Dances with Bears: Moscow Shines Spotlight on Who Comes After Zelensky. [Ed: the most interesting thing about this question is that it is being openly asked. I've seen it in several periodicals.]
From the Epoch Times: New York Suffers Record Rise in Potentially Deadly Disease Caused by Rat Urine. [Ed: America is becoming a 3rd world country...on purpose, it seems.]
From the Dodo: Homeowner Hears Screaming Outside — Then Finds Someone Hiding Under Her Car
From Science Alert: Scientists Invented a Bizarre New Material That Gets Tougher When You Hit It
The Upcoming U.S. Election. From Just the News: Conservatives urge House to hold hearing on Google Gemini over 2024 election integrity concerns. The hearing Republicans are calling for would increase public scrutiny on Google's AI application and potentially inherent bias. [Ed: necessary.] AND Fox, CNN and other major TV outlets urge Biden and Trump to commit to debates. [Ed: a dozen news media appealed to the candidates on Sunday to have pre-election debates. Such debates have occurred in every Pres. election since 1976. Bad news for Biden.]
From the New York Post: Gordon Ramsay’s London pub taken over by squatters: ‘Absolute nightmare scenario’. [Ed: yep, that's Gordon Ramsay, celebrity chef.]
Iran-Israel. From Dances with Bears: Russian Assessment Begins of the Iran Operation Against Israel. From Simplicius the Thinker: Iran Breaches Anglo-Zionist Defenses in Historic Attack: A Breakdown. [[/link]Ed: a different view from that of Western media.] From Moon of Alabama: The Resistance Axis Penetrated The Zionist Security Screen. [Ed: again, a different view.]
From People: Touching Tale of Adopting Neighbor's Surrendered Dog Gets Over 8 Million Views. [Ed: now they can play forever.]
Israel-U.S. From Reason: Biden Sends U.S. Forces To Protect Israel's Borders for the First Time Ever. Washington quietly funded Israeli-Iranian proxy wars for years. Now American men and women are directly involved. From Hot Air: Yes, Biden DID Approve Iran's Attack. [Ed: I have not checked out all the links. If true, this would explain America's muted reaction to the 'show' bombing.] From the Jerusalem Post: Iran informed Turkey in advance of its operation against Israel, "Iran informed Turkey in advance of its planned operation against Israel, a Turkish diplomatic source told Reuters on Sunday, adding that Washington had conveyed to Tehran via Ankara that any action it took had to be "within certain limits."" [Ed: if true...]
From the Epoch Times: Supreme Court Curbs Power of Local Governments to Impose Permitting Fees. The unanimous decision finds a California county’s development fees unconstitutional.
Trump Legal Woes. From Jonathan Turley: The Trump Trial In Manhattan Is An Indictment Of The New York Legal System. One does not have to be like Trump to repel from the spectacle about to unfold in Manhattan... [Ed: I do not like Trump--politician, you know--and I am repelled by his prosecution/persecution.] From Politico: Michael Cohen is an admitted liar. He’s still going to be the star witness against Trump. "If a jury doesn’t believe him, that’s it,” one former prosecutor said.
From Zero Hedge: Tesla To Slash Global Headcount By More Than 10%, Electrek Reports. "I would like to thank everyone who is departing Tesla for their hard work over the years. I'm deeply..." [Ed: Tesla has around 140,000 employees.]
From antiwar: UN Says No Improvement in Aid Access in Northern Gaza. [Ed: so Israel is still starving out the people. I expect the Iranian attack will solidify this strategy.]
From Moonbattery: Denver Pours Money on Illegals, Cuts Essential Services. [Ed: just like NYC and Chicago and...who knows where else? And, no, I am not against immigration. I'm against gov. handouts.]
From Daily Paws: Drone Helps Rescue 'Miracle' Golden Retriever Who Was Missing for 3 Months in Colorado Countryside. Farrah ran off after a car accident and lost about half her weight while she was on her own. [Ed: yeah. We searched this diligently for a dog.]
Mine!
Monday 15 April 2024
Baltasar Gracian's Aphorism #290: 'Tis a piece of good Fortune to combine Men's Love and Respect.Baltasar Gracian's Aphorism #290: 'Tis a piece of good Fortune to combine Men's Love and Respect.
Generally one dare not be liked if one would be respected. Love is more sensitive than hate. Love and honour do not go well together. So that one should aim neither to be much feared nor much loved. Love introduces confidence, and the further this advances, the more respect recedes. Prefer to be loved with respect rather than with passion, for that is a love suitable for many.
My interpretation: familiarity can breed contempt because many of the people you admire for one aspect of who they are--their writing, their political advocacy, their business sense--may well be reprehensible, offensive or just boring in most other aspects of life. But I don't think there is an inevitable coupling between being liked and losing respect. I do agree, however, with this sentiment: "So that one should aim neither to be much feared nor much loved." I do not wish to be feared at all except as someone who can out argue an intellectual opponent I think is wrong...especially if the 'wrongness' harms innocent others. I seek to be "much loved" only by those whom I "much love." Otherwise, it really is awkward to be greatly loved or admired when all I want to do is get on with daily life the best way I know how. Again, as with the last one, this aphorism doesn't really speak to me.
Generally one dare not be liked if one would be respected. Love is more sensitive than hate. Love and honour do not go well together. So that one should aim neither to be much feared nor much loved. Love introduces confidence, and the further this advances, the more respect recedes. Prefer to be loved with respect rather than with passion, for that is a love suitable for many.
My interpretation: familiarity can breed contempt because many of the people you admire for one aspect of who they are--their writing, their political advocacy, their business sense--may well be reprehensible, offensive or just boring in most other aspects of life. But I don't think there is an inevitable coupling between being liked and losing respect. I do agree, however, with this sentiment: "So that one should aim neither to be much feared nor much loved." I do not wish to be feared at all except as someone who can out argue an intellectual opponent I think is wrong...especially if the 'wrongness' harms innocent others. I seek to be "much loved" only by those whom I "much love." Otherwise, it really is awkward to be greatly loved or admired when all I want to do is get on with daily life the best way I know how. Again, as with the last one, this aphorism doesn't really speak to me.
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