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Monday 03 July 2023
Gracian's aphorism #99: There May Be A Difference Between Reality And Appearance.[To access past Gracian aphorism's and my subjective interpretation of them, click here.]
Gracian's aphorism #99: There May Be A Difference Between Reality And Appearance.
The real, and the apparent. Things do not count for what they are, but for what they seem; they are few who look into the depths, and they are many who are satisfied to pay at face. It is not sufficient even to be right if it carry the face of being wrong.
My interpretation: this is one of Gracian's most quoted aphorisms, and it is deceptively simple. Some readers take it as a sign of Gracian's cynicism about the superficiality or gullibility of the average person who does not 'see' beyond the appearance of things or people. It is precisely the uncritical nature of the 'masses' that allows them to be deceived and manipulated by skilled leaders.
I interpret the aphorism somewhat differently. For one thing, many people who do not see beyond the obvious are capable of doing so but have no reason to invest in that process. Life is crowded and judging a matter by its appearance is a time saver, especially when you have little to no interest in the matter itself. Snap judgments can lead to grave errors but they can also be a survival trait.
[ Read the rest ... ]
Gracian's aphorism #99: There May Be A Difference Between Reality And Appearance.
The real, and the apparent. Things do not count for what they are, but for what they seem; they are few who look into the depths, and they are many who are satisfied to pay at face. It is not sufficient even to be right if it carry the face of being wrong.
My interpretation: this is one of Gracian's most quoted aphorisms, and it is deceptively simple. Some readers take it as a sign of Gracian's cynicism about the superficiality or gullibility of the average person who does not 'see' beyond the appearance of things or people. It is precisely the uncritical nature of the 'masses' that allows them to be deceived and manipulated by skilled leaders.
I interpret the aphorism somewhat differently. For one thing, many people who do not see beyond the obvious are capable of doing so but have no reason to invest in that process. Life is crowded and judging a matter by its appearance is a time saver, especially when you have little to no interest in the matter itself. Snap judgments can lead to grave errors but they can also be a survival trait.
[ Read the rest ... ]
Paris is burning
News and commentary for July 03, 2023From Newser: Twitter Limits Number of Posts People Can Read. New rules cause much confusion on Saturday. [Ed: meant to deter data scraping. But it caused 1000s of complaints from users.]
From the Automatic Earth Blog: Putin's Grip On Power. "...an artificially manufactured information warfare narrative designed to sow doubts about his leadership."
France in Flames. From Reuters: Home of French mayor ram-raided and torched by rioters. [Ed: wife and 2 children sleeping inside. Wife and 1 child injured in escaping.] From Politico.EU: In French town under curfew, wave of violence leaves locals dazed and angry.
From Daily Happy Dog: Blind Dog Helps Young Girl Who Was Drowning In River.
Ukraine/Russia. From Real Clear Defense: CIA Director, on Secret Trip to Ukraine, Hears Plan for War’s Endgame. [Ed: how secret could it be when even WaPo is reporting on it.] From Dances with Bears: RUSSIA’S TIME OF TROUBLES
The Failing State. From the Brownstone Institute: Essential Reading For The Dissident, The Disenfranchised, & The Disillusioned. We’re not alone, our eyes were not deceiving us, it was not all just a nightmare from which we will one day wake up. It actually happened... From James Howard Kunstler: Biden: A Bumbling Grifter Personifying A Failing State. The DNC poohbahs, cross-eyed in transports of Woke-ism, must know that this bumbling grifter personifies a failing state... From Medium: I Lived Through Collapse. America Is Already There. Living in Sri Lanka during the end of the civil war, I saw how life goes on, surrounded by death. [Ed: a must read.] From the Armed Forces Press: Rise And Fall Of The American Empire. A great civilization is not conquered from without until it has destroyed itself from within. [Ed: a pithy analysis.]
From Zero Hedge: Study Finds Xanax, Valium Associated With Brain Injury, Suicide. Wha the hell? [Ed: if true, the pill may have the opposite impact that it is supposed to have.]
From Madly Odd: Great Dane becomes new family for abandoned fawn
Bud Light Fallout Continues. From Outkick: Bud Light Sales Are So Bad Production Plants Are Shutting Down. AND Former Anheuser-Busch President Blasts CEO Over Bud Light Handling, Calls For His Resignation In Scathing Letter. From the Dallas Express: Former Bud Light Ambassador Slams Company. [Ed: interesting part of this report is the reference to Ted Cruz at the end.]
From the Hill: Teamsters say strike still on the table at UPS.
From the Cradle: US Releases Internal Review Of Botched, Disastrous Afghan Withdrawal. Biden admin's lack of planning on multiple levels a key feature... From Al Jazeera: US report slams poor planning for Afghanistan withdrawal. [Ed: I always try to get another perspective...and, even then, I don't believe much of what I read.]
From Dog Express: Brave Pet Dog Frightens Leopard Outside Home in Maharashtra Town.
'24 U.S. Elections. From Zero Hedge: After Fostering Cesspool Of Crime, Gavin Newsom Finally Gets Serious About Fentanyl In San Francisco. 2024 talking point? [Ed: Newsom is definitely waiting inthe wings.] From Joe Hoft: A Shocking Analysis of Election Night Reporting and the Companies That Manufacture Election Results. [Ed: I may as well go on record. I don't believe it was a legitimate win.] From the Western Journal: Tucker Thinks There Will Be a Coup Against Biden, The Replacement Will Be Just as 'Ruthless'
From FOX News: World's first fully electric flying car approved by FAA; company now accepting preorders. Alef Aeronautics' website accepting deposits for car expected to sell for $300K.
From the Tri-City Herald: Highly radioactive spill near Columbia River in E. Washington worse than expected. [Ed: extra bad news because this area relies heavily upon the Columbia River.]
Monetary Matters. From GoldMoney: Geopolitical Evolution: Russia's 'Rebellion' & A Return To Gold-Backed Currency. Plans for a new trade currency backed by gold appear to be on the agenda for the BRICS meeting in Johannesburg in August... [Ed: if they back their currency with gold, then it will dominate quickly.] From the Hill: A rebellion at the Federal Reserve — can it avoid the next bank collapse?
From Good News Network: Ancient Mayan City Hidden for Over 1,000 Years Discovered by LiDAR. [Ed: a game changer for archeology.]
From Politico: Hunter Biden’s child will get some of his art as part of support settlement. The settlement ends a bitter dispute between the president’s younger son and Lunden Roberts, the mother of their 4-year-old child. [Ed: this is a scam. Mr.X will buy the painting at an absurdly high price, thus transferring money to the child's mother that doesn't come out of Hunter's pocket.]
No Sunlight for You! From Bloomberg: EU Looks Into Blocking Out the Sun as Climate Efforts Falter. [Ed: what could possibly go wrong?] From FOX News: White House report signals openness to manipulating sunlight to prevent climate change. 'Solar Radiation Modification offers the possibility of cooling the planet significantly on a timescale of a few years,' report claims
From Do Not Panic Blog: Deadly wet-bulb temperatures strike the US.
From the Automatic Earth Blog: Putin's Grip On Power. "...an artificially manufactured information warfare narrative designed to sow doubts about his leadership."
France in Flames. From Reuters: Home of French mayor ram-raided and torched by rioters. [Ed: wife and 2 children sleeping inside. Wife and 1 child injured in escaping.] From Politico.EU: In French town under curfew, wave of violence leaves locals dazed and angry.
From Daily Happy Dog: Blind Dog Helps Young Girl Who Was Drowning In River.
Ukraine/Russia. From Real Clear Defense: CIA Director, on Secret Trip to Ukraine, Hears Plan for War’s Endgame. [Ed: how secret could it be when even WaPo is reporting on it.] From Dances with Bears: RUSSIA’S TIME OF TROUBLES
The Failing State. From the Brownstone Institute: Essential Reading For The Dissident, The Disenfranchised, & The Disillusioned. We’re not alone, our eyes were not deceiving us, it was not all just a nightmare from which we will one day wake up. It actually happened... From James Howard Kunstler: Biden: A Bumbling Grifter Personifying A Failing State. The DNC poohbahs, cross-eyed in transports of Woke-ism, must know that this bumbling grifter personifies a failing state... From Medium: I Lived Through Collapse. America Is Already There. Living in Sri Lanka during the end of the civil war, I saw how life goes on, surrounded by death. [Ed: a must read.] From the Armed Forces Press: Rise And Fall Of The American Empire. A great civilization is not conquered from without until it has destroyed itself from within. [Ed: a pithy analysis.]
From Zero Hedge: Study Finds Xanax, Valium Associated With Brain Injury, Suicide. Wha the hell? [Ed: if true, the pill may have the opposite impact that it is supposed to have.]
From Madly Odd: Great Dane becomes new family for abandoned fawn
Bud Light Fallout Continues. From Outkick: Bud Light Sales Are So Bad Production Plants Are Shutting Down. AND Former Anheuser-Busch President Blasts CEO Over Bud Light Handling, Calls For His Resignation In Scathing Letter. From the Dallas Express: Former Bud Light Ambassador Slams Company. [Ed: interesting part of this report is the reference to Ted Cruz at the end.]
From the Hill: Teamsters say strike still on the table at UPS.
From the Cradle: US Releases Internal Review Of Botched, Disastrous Afghan Withdrawal. Biden admin's lack of planning on multiple levels a key feature... From Al Jazeera: US report slams poor planning for Afghanistan withdrawal. [Ed: I always try to get another perspective...and, even then, I don't believe much of what I read.]
From Dog Express: Brave Pet Dog Frightens Leopard Outside Home in Maharashtra Town.
'24 U.S. Elections. From Zero Hedge: After Fostering Cesspool Of Crime, Gavin Newsom Finally Gets Serious About Fentanyl In San Francisco. 2024 talking point? [Ed: Newsom is definitely waiting inthe wings.] From Joe Hoft: A Shocking Analysis of Election Night Reporting and the Companies That Manufacture Election Results. [Ed: I may as well go on record. I don't believe it was a legitimate win.] From the Western Journal: Tucker Thinks There Will Be a Coup Against Biden, The Replacement Will Be Just as 'Ruthless'
From FOX News: World's first fully electric flying car approved by FAA; company now accepting preorders. Alef Aeronautics' website accepting deposits for car expected to sell for $300K.
From the Tri-City Herald: Highly radioactive spill near Columbia River in E. Washington worse than expected. [Ed: extra bad news because this area relies heavily upon the Columbia River.]
Monetary Matters. From GoldMoney: Geopolitical Evolution: Russia's 'Rebellion' & A Return To Gold-Backed Currency. Plans for a new trade currency backed by gold appear to be on the agenda for the BRICS meeting in Johannesburg in August... [Ed: if they back their currency with gold, then it will dominate quickly.] From the Hill: A rebellion at the Federal Reserve — can it avoid the next bank collapse?
From Good News Network: Ancient Mayan City Hidden for Over 1,000 Years Discovered by LiDAR. [Ed: a game changer for archeology.]
From Politico: Hunter Biden’s child will get some of his art as part of support settlement. The settlement ends a bitter dispute between the president’s younger son and Lunden Roberts, the mother of their 4-year-old child. [Ed: this is a scam. Mr.X will buy the painting at an absurdly high price, thus transferring money to the child's mother that doesn't come out of Hunter's pocket.]
No Sunlight for You! From Bloomberg: EU Looks Into Blocking Out the Sun as Climate Efforts Falter. [Ed: what could possibly go wrong?] From FOX News: White House report signals openness to manipulating sunlight to prevent climate change. 'Solar Radiation Modification offers the possibility of cooling the planet significantly on a timescale of a few years,' report claims
From Do Not Panic Blog: Deadly wet-bulb temperatures strike the US.
Sunday 02 July 2023
Baltasar Aphorism #98: Write your Intentions in Cypher.[To access past Gracian aphorism's and my subjective interpretation of them, click here.]
Baltasar Aphorism #98: Write your Intentions in Cypher.
The passions are the gates of the soul. The most practical knowledge consists in disguising them, in knowing how to feign a false course of action. He that plays with cards exposed runs a risk of losing the stakes. The reserve of caution should combat the curiosity of inquirers: adopt the policy of the cuttlefish. Do not even let your tastes be known, lest others utilise them either by running counter to them or by flattering them.
My interpretation: a cuttlefish is known for its camouflage and hiding nature. I've acted this way in work situations, especially with a producer at one production company who was notorious for getting people fired...but always with a smile on her face so that some people didn't see beneath the surface and thought she was just the sweetest thing. She really, really did use every scrap of information against anyone she saw as a rival to her power in the company. Alas, no one escaped her notice forever.
Baltasar Aphorism #98: Write your Intentions in Cypher.
The passions are the gates of the soul. The most practical knowledge consists in disguising them, in knowing how to feign a false course of action. He that plays with cards exposed runs a risk of losing the stakes. The reserve of caution should combat the curiosity of inquirers: adopt the policy of the cuttlefish. Do not even let your tastes be known, lest others utilise them either by running counter to them or by flattering them.
My interpretation: a cuttlefish is known for its camouflage and hiding nature. I've acted this way in work situations, especially with a producer at one production company who was notorious for getting people fired...but always with a smile on her face so that some people didn't see beneath the surface and thought she was just the sweetest thing. She really, really did use every scrap of information against anyone she saw as a rival to her power in the company. Alas, no one escaped her notice forever.
News and commentary for July 02, 2023From Space: Night sky, July 2023: What you can see tonight [maps] [Ed: for all of July.]
Assange. From the Urban Dictionary: Assange has become a verb: to assange. From Phil Ebersole's Blog: Matt Taibbi on Julian Assange. [Ed: Taibbi has been a rock on this issue.] From Consortium News: Nailing the Assange Story Since 2010. [Ed: ditto CN.]
Russia. From Scheer Post: Ray McGovern: Russia’s ‘Coup’ Is Actually Biden’s Disaster. [Ed: a must read.] From BBC: Post-Mutiny, Wagner Group Is 'Business as Usual'. Journalists are told when calling recruitment centers that 'nothing has stopped' [Ed: shouldn't something have changed if it was a serious revolt against Putin? But, then, of course it wasn't.]
From the Babylon Bee: Harvard To Get Around Affirmative Action Ban By Asking You Whether You Prefer BBQ, Ranch, Or Soy Sauce.
From the Organic Prepper: Alternative Energy Solutions for Preppers and Survivalists. AND Here’s a Look Inside the First Aid Kit of an Army Medic
From Zero Hedge: Consumers Trade Down From Walmart, Dollar Tree Becomes Supermarket For The Working Poor.
Ukraine. From Moon of Alabama: Ukraine's Zaluzhny Is Back And Asking For More Weapons From Unherd: Dodging shells on Ukraine’s eastern front. In Kreminna's Forest of Surprises, combat is almost face-to-face. From antiwar: UK Says NATO Should Consider Skipping Standard Application For Ukraine. Britain backs fast-tracking even amid active war with Russia... [Ed: fast tracking has been the purpose of a whole lot of political drama of the last month.] From John Mearsheimer: The Darkness Ahead: Where The Ukraine War Is Headed. From the International Man: Stockman: Why The US Should Stop Sending Money To Zelensky. "If the truth be told, we are getting sick and tired of the little piss-ant who runs the cess-pool of corruption, tyranny, delusion and death called Ukraine..."
From the Gray Zone: ‘Why are we tempting nuclear annihilation?’ Watch Max Blumenthal address UN Security Council
From the Dogington Post: Hero Sheepdog Fights Off Coyotes Terrorizing Sheep Farm
From Spiked: Nigel Farage and the corporate war on dissent. From the Telegraph: After my banking travails, I fear Britain is lost. [Ed: a social credit system has reached the UK.]
All things Trump. From Zero Hedge: Brazil's 'Donald Trump' Banned From Public Office For 8 Years. They did to Bolsonaro what they want to do to Trump. From the Alan Dersowitz Newsletter: Donald Trump and the Case of the Audio Evidence
From the Bored Panda: I Took 30 Photographs Capturing The Whimsical Side Of Dogs.
From UPI: Teamsters hold off on strike to continue negotiations with UPS.
From Zero Hedge: France Deploys 'Armored Military Vehicles' To Combat Nationwide Riots. "France is spiraling in real-time." [Ed: this is turning into 2005 redux.] From Politico.EU: As France burns, Macron blames social media for fanning the flames.
From the Red State: I Told You So: Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Reveals His True Anti-Gunner Nature. [Ed: there has been some confusion as to where he stands on guns.]
What Biden Costs Average Americans. From FOX News: Biden regulations have cost Americans almost $10,000 per household: study. From Real Clear Energy: IEA’s Net Zero Dream Was Just Debunked as a Nightmare.
From the DoDo: Nervous Rescue Dog Can't Stop Smiling When She Finally Realizes She's Safe. "She now has a constant smile on her face"
Media. From Radar Online: Tucker Carlson Raising Funds for New Media Venture Following Fox News Ouster: Report. From Puck: Tucker’s New Mediaco. From Verge: How Reddit crushed the biggest protest in its history. From Ars Technica: Reddit API changes are imminent. Here’s what’s happening to your favorite apps. [Ed: reddit has gone downhill, fast.]
From the Good News Network: The Guys Who Sell Ocean Plastic Bracelets Just Reached 30 Million Pounds of Waste Pulled From Seas. [Ed: I could be wrong but, as I remember, this is a private venture.]
From the Bored Panda: The Guilty Dog Challenge. [Ed: hilarious photos.]
From Revolver: Joe Biden took a phone call that could change everything for him and Hunter… From Headline USA: NYTimes Confirms Garland Lied about Influencing Hunter Biden Criminal Probe. [Ed: someone has to be the fall guy. I think it will be Garland.]
Assange. From the Urban Dictionary: Assange has become a verb: to assange. From Phil Ebersole's Blog: Matt Taibbi on Julian Assange. [Ed: Taibbi has been a rock on this issue.] From Consortium News: Nailing the Assange Story Since 2010. [Ed: ditto CN.]
Russia. From Scheer Post: Ray McGovern: Russia’s ‘Coup’ Is Actually Biden’s Disaster. [Ed: a must read.] From BBC: Post-Mutiny, Wagner Group Is 'Business as Usual'. Journalists are told when calling recruitment centers that 'nothing has stopped' [Ed: shouldn't something have changed if it was a serious revolt against Putin? But, then, of course it wasn't.]
From the Babylon Bee: Harvard To Get Around Affirmative Action Ban By Asking You Whether You Prefer BBQ, Ranch, Or Soy Sauce.
From the Organic Prepper: Alternative Energy Solutions for Preppers and Survivalists. AND Here’s a Look Inside the First Aid Kit of an Army Medic
From Zero Hedge: Consumers Trade Down From Walmart, Dollar Tree Becomes Supermarket For The Working Poor.
Ukraine. From Moon of Alabama: Ukraine's Zaluzhny Is Back And Asking For More Weapons From Unherd: Dodging shells on Ukraine’s eastern front. In Kreminna's Forest of Surprises, combat is almost face-to-face. From antiwar: UK Says NATO Should Consider Skipping Standard Application For Ukraine. Britain backs fast-tracking even amid active war with Russia... [Ed: fast tracking has been the purpose of a whole lot of political drama of the last month.] From John Mearsheimer: The Darkness Ahead: Where The Ukraine War Is Headed. From the International Man: Stockman: Why The US Should Stop Sending Money To Zelensky. "If the truth be told, we are getting sick and tired of the little piss-ant who runs the cess-pool of corruption, tyranny, delusion and death called Ukraine..."
From the Gray Zone: ‘Why are we tempting nuclear annihilation?’ Watch Max Blumenthal address UN Security Council
From the Dogington Post: Hero Sheepdog Fights Off Coyotes Terrorizing Sheep Farm
From Spiked: Nigel Farage and the corporate war on dissent. From the Telegraph: After my banking travails, I fear Britain is lost. [Ed: a social credit system has reached the UK.]
All things Trump. From Zero Hedge: Brazil's 'Donald Trump' Banned From Public Office For 8 Years. They did to Bolsonaro what they want to do to Trump. From the Alan Dersowitz Newsletter: Donald Trump and the Case of the Audio Evidence
From the Bored Panda: I Took 30 Photographs Capturing The Whimsical Side Of Dogs.
From UPI: Teamsters hold off on strike to continue negotiations with UPS.
From Zero Hedge: France Deploys 'Armored Military Vehicles' To Combat Nationwide Riots. "France is spiraling in real-time." [Ed: this is turning into 2005 redux.] From Politico.EU: As France burns, Macron blames social media for fanning the flames.
From the Red State: I Told You So: Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Reveals His True Anti-Gunner Nature. [Ed: there has been some confusion as to where he stands on guns.]
What Biden Costs Average Americans. From FOX News: Biden regulations have cost Americans almost $10,000 per household: study. From Real Clear Energy: IEA’s Net Zero Dream Was Just Debunked as a Nightmare.
From the DoDo: Nervous Rescue Dog Can't Stop Smiling When She Finally Realizes She's Safe. "She now has a constant smile on her face"
Media. From Radar Online: Tucker Carlson Raising Funds for New Media Venture Following Fox News Ouster: Report. From Puck: Tucker’s New Mediaco. From Verge: How Reddit crushed the biggest protest in its history. From Ars Technica: Reddit API changes are imminent. Here’s what’s happening to your favorite apps. [Ed: reddit has gone downhill, fast.]
From the Good News Network: The Guys Who Sell Ocean Plastic Bracelets Just Reached 30 Million Pounds of Waste Pulled From Seas. [Ed: I could be wrong but, as I remember, this is a private venture.]
From the Bored Panda: The Guilty Dog Challenge. [Ed: hilarious photos.]
From Revolver: Joe Biden took a phone call that could change everything for him and Hunter… From Headline USA: NYTimes Confirms Garland Lied about Influencing Hunter Biden Criminal Probe. [Ed: someone has to be the fall guy. I think it will be Garland.]
Saturday 01 July 2023
Baltasar Gracian's Aphorism #97: Obtain and preserve a Reputation.[To access past Gracian aphorism's and my subjective interpretation of them, click here.
Baltasar Gracian's Aphorism #97: Obtain and preserve a Reputation.
It is the usufruct of fame. It is expensive to obtain a reputation, for it only attaches to distinguished abilities, which are as rare as mediocrities are common. Once obtained, it is easily preserved. It confers many an obligation, but it does more. When it is owing to elevated powers or lofty spheres of action, it rises to a kind of veneration and yields a sort of majesty. But it is only a well-founded reputation that lasts permanently.
My interpretation: "usufruct" refers to a legal right to enjoy the use of another's property short of damaging it. I believe Gracian is saying that a "reputation" is the enjoyable part of life that adheres to fame. Indeed, another translation states, "Getting and keeping a reputation is the enjoyable aspect of fame."
[ Read the rest ... ]
Baltasar Gracian's Aphorism #97: Obtain and preserve a Reputation.
It is the usufruct of fame. It is expensive to obtain a reputation, for it only attaches to distinguished abilities, which are as rare as mediocrities are common. Once obtained, it is easily preserved. It confers many an obligation, but it does more. When it is owing to elevated powers or lofty spheres of action, it rises to a kind of veneration and yields a sort of majesty. But it is only a well-founded reputation that lasts permanently.
My interpretation: "usufruct" refers to a legal right to enjoy the use of another's property short of damaging it. I believe Gracian is saying that a "reputation" is the enjoyable part of life that adheres to fame. Indeed, another translation states, "Getting and keeping a reputation is the enjoyable aspect of fame."
[ Read the rest ... ]
News and commentary for July 01, 2023American Readers Take Note. From Hot Air: Tripping over feet: UPS and Teamsters dance not going so well. This is the take note part..."... It wouldn’t only be annoying Amazon and catalogue orders missed. If the Teamsters should shut them down, all mail-order deliveries of ammunition would also cease, as federal law only allows shipments to move through the U.S. via UPS ground. There are no work-arounds for that." [Ed: if you are a gun owner, then it is good to stock up now. the likely strike date is July 31.]
Julian Assange. From AFP: Pope grants audience to Assange's wife. [Ed: a statement from the Pope is one of the very few things that could acutally make a difference.] From antiwar: War Trudges On and On and On – Ellsberg, the Pentagon Papers, Ukraine. From Reason: Review: Ithaka Chronicles the Fight To Save Julian Assange
From Vice: 2,200 Forgotten Vintage Computers Are Being Liberated From a Barn In Massachusetts [Ed: for Brad.]
From the Cradle: Escobar: What Happens In Russia After 'The Longest Day'? NATO and the Collective West’s excitement over the possibility of Russia descending into chaos and civil war were quickly turned into utter disappointment... From Seymour Hersh: PRIGOZHIN’S FOLLY. The Russian ‘revolt’ that wasn’t strengthens Putin’s hand. [Ed: I take Hersh seriously.]
From Daily Happy Dog: A Couple Boarding A Flight To Las Vegas Had To Rearrange Their Overweight Luggage – When They Opened It, They Found Their Dog Hiding Inside
All things Trump. From Jonathan Turley: The Cost of Bravado: Why Trump Defense to the Audiotape Could Come at a Cost. "The defense could come at a cost at trial, but it is a calculated risk for the court of public opinion." From the Week: DOJ, DNI Weigh In on Trump's Declassification Claim. Agencies say there's no record that ex-president had 'standing order' to declassify Mar-a-Lago docs. From the Independent: Prosecutors are prepared to hit Trump and his allies with new charges, sources say. [Ed: just makes it seem more like a witch hunt.]
From Zero Hedge: Where Central Banks Have Issued Digital Currencies. ...represent the polar opposite of the idea of decentralized, self-sovereign bitcoins. [Ed: remember, CBDCs are the antithesis of free market crypto.]
From Politico.EU: Europe swings right — and reshapes the EU. Italy, Finland, Greece have recently moved. Spain could be next. The shift will affect everything from climate policy to migration. [Ed: as I've been saying for months now. And there will be a severe backlash from the left.]
American Cities. From the Los Angeles Times: Homelessness continues to soar, jumping 9% in L.A. County, 10% in the city
From GEFIRA: BRICS On The March. ...the West’s involvement in the war in Ukraine is reviving anti-Western sentiments, not only in the BRICS countries. [Ed: BRICS hit heavily upon anti-colonialism...which places the U.S. and the UK in particular in a bad light.]
From CBS News: Biden Reveals Plan to Counter Ruling on Student Loan Relief. President declares 'this fight isn't over' and announces a new strategy
From Zero Hedge: "Life In The UK Is Becoming Completely Unlivable" - Brexiteer Farage Is Being Systemically Un-Banked. [Ed: another argument for free market crypto.]
From the DoDo: Stray Dog Covers Foster Family In Kisses When He Realizes They're Taking Him Home
France Burns. From Politico.EU: IN PICTURES: FRANCE BURNS. Violent unrest following the death of a teen killed by police has spread to Paris suburbs and elsewhere. [Ed: the authorities are unable to establish control.] AND Macron vows to deploy ‘additional means’ after another night of violence across France. Far-right politicians called for a state of emergency to be imposed as the government seeks to tackle the unrest. [Ed: military? State of emergency?] From FDESouche: Extraordinarily useful maps. [Ed: apolgies to those who do not read French or can't parse out the meanings. the 1, 2, 3 refer to the evolution of violence over the first 3 nights of rioting.]
From Zero Hedge: $100 Billion "Profound Economic Shift" Has Reshaped Southern US. [Ed: amazing when you see it laid out in charts, etc.] From MishTalk: Disingenuous Claims by President Biden on the Number of Jobs He Created
From the Register: Canada Plans Brain Drain of H-1B Visa Holders, With No-Job, No-Worries Work Permits. [Ed: H-18 is an America work permit. Canada is trying to make the brain drain work in its favor, northward.]
Hunter Biden. From CBS News: Hunter Biden's former business partner was willing to go before a grand jury. He never got the chance. From the Babylon Bee: Devout Hunter Biden Clarifies He Was Sitting Next To His Heavenly Father, Who Is Always With Him. From Jonathan Turley: The Beltway Goats: Why Hunter is Right “The Bidens are the Best” When It Comes to Influence Peddling. [Ed: I am glad Turley is all over this because the Hunter stuff is still being ignored.]
Ukraine. From Zero Hedge: Biden Close To Approving Cluster Bombs, Banned In 120 Countries, For Ukraine. Could be included in military package as soon as next month. From Simpplicius the Thinker: Anatomy of Storm Shadow Interception. [Ed: very technical about weaponry.]
From the American Thinker: The Controlled Demolition Of Nation-States. Call it the road to serfdom...
From Moon of Alabama: The Over-Hyped 'Spy' Balloon That Didn't. [Ed: I think war with China is more likely than was with Russia.]
Julian Assange. From AFP: Pope grants audience to Assange's wife. [Ed: a statement from the Pope is one of the very few things that could acutally make a difference.] From antiwar: War Trudges On and On and On – Ellsberg, the Pentagon Papers, Ukraine. From Reason: Review: Ithaka Chronicles the Fight To Save Julian Assange
From Vice: 2,200 Forgotten Vintage Computers Are Being Liberated From a Barn In Massachusetts [Ed: for Brad.]
From the Cradle: Escobar: What Happens In Russia After 'The Longest Day'? NATO and the Collective West’s excitement over the possibility of Russia descending into chaos and civil war were quickly turned into utter disappointment... From Seymour Hersh: PRIGOZHIN’S FOLLY. The Russian ‘revolt’ that wasn’t strengthens Putin’s hand. [Ed: I take Hersh seriously.]
From Daily Happy Dog: A Couple Boarding A Flight To Las Vegas Had To Rearrange Their Overweight Luggage – When They Opened It, They Found Their Dog Hiding Inside
All things Trump. From Jonathan Turley: The Cost of Bravado: Why Trump Defense to the Audiotape Could Come at a Cost. "The defense could come at a cost at trial, but it is a calculated risk for the court of public opinion." From the Week: DOJ, DNI Weigh In on Trump's Declassification Claim. Agencies say there's no record that ex-president had 'standing order' to declassify Mar-a-Lago docs. From the Independent: Prosecutors are prepared to hit Trump and his allies with new charges, sources say. [Ed: just makes it seem more like a witch hunt.]
From Zero Hedge: Where Central Banks Have Issued Digital Currencies. ...represent the polar opposite of the idea of decentralized, self-sovereign bitcoins. [Ed: remember, CBDCs are the antithesis of free market crypto.]
From Politico.EU: Europe swings right — and reshapes the EU. Italy, Finland, Greece have recently moved. Spain could be next. The shift will affect everything from climate policy to migration. [Ed: as I've been saying for months now. And there will be a severe backlash from the left.]
American Cities. From the Los Angeles Times: Homelessness continues to soar, jumping 9% in L.A. County, 10% in the city
From GEFIRA: BRICS On The March. ...the West’s involvement in the war in Ukraine is reviving anti-Western sentiments, not only in the BRICS countries. [Ed: BRICS hit heavily upon anti-colonialism...which places the U.S. and the UK in particular in a bad light.]
From CBS News: Biden Reveals Plan to Counter Ruling on Student Loan Relief. President declares 'this fight isn't over' and announces a new strategy
From Zero Hedge: "Life In The UK Is Becoming Completely Unlivable" - Brexiteer Farage Is Being Systemically Un-Banked. [Ed: another argument for free market crypto.]
From the DoDo: Stray Dog Covers Foster Family In Kisses When He Realizes They're Taking Him Home
France Burns. From Politico.EU: IN PICTURES: FRANCE BURNS. Violent unrest following the death of a teen killed by police has spread to Paris suburbs and elsewhere. [Ed: the authorities are unable to establish control.] AND Macron vows to deploy ‘additional means’ after another night of violence across France. Far-right politicians called for a state of emergency to be imposed as the government seeks to tackle the unrest. [Ed: military? State of emergency?] From FDESouche: Extraordinarily useful maps. [Ed: apolgies to those who do not read French or can't parse out the meanings. the 1, 2, 3 refer to the evolution of violence over the first 3 nights of rioting.]
From Zero Hedge: $100 Billion "Profound Economic Shift" Has Reshaped Southern US. [Ed: amazing when you see it laid out in charts, etc.] From MishTalk: Disingenuous Claims by President Biden on the Number of Jobs He Created
From the Register: Canada Plans Brain Drain of H-1B Visa Holders, With No-Job, No-Worries Work Permits. [Ed: H-18 is an America work permit. Canada is trying to make the brain drain work in its favor, northward.]
Hunter Biden. From CBS News: Hunter Biden's former business partner was willing to go before a grand jury. He never got the chance. From the Babylon Bee: Devout Hunter Biden Clarifies He Was Sitting Next To His Heavenly Father, Who Is Always With Him. From Jonathan Turley: The Beltway Goats: Why Hunter is Right “The Bidens are the Best” When It Comes to Influence Peddling. [Ed: I am glad Turley is all over this because the Hunter stuff is still being ignored.]
Ukraine. From Zero Hedge: Biden Close To Approving Cluster Bombs, Banned In 120 Countries, For Ukraine. Could be included in military package as soon as next month. From Simpplicius the Thinker: Anatomy of Storm Shadow Interception. [Ed: very technical about weaponry.]
From the American Thinker: The Controlled Demolition Of Nation-States. Call it the road to serfdom...
From Moon of Alabama: The Over-Hyped 'Spy' Balloon That Didn't. [Ed: I think war with China is more likely than was with Russia.]
So? Where are we going?
Friday 30 June 2023
Baltasar Gracian Aphorism #96: The highest Discretion.Baltasar Gracian Aphorism #96: The highest Discretion.
It is the throne of reason, the foundation ofprudence: by its means success is gained at little cost. It is a gift from above, and should be prayed for as the first and best quality. This the main piece of the panoply, and so important that its absence makes a man imperfect, whereas with other qualities it is merely a question of more or less. All the actions of life depend on its application; all require its assistance, for everything needs intelligence. Discretion consists in a natural tendency to the most rational course, combined with a liking for the surest.
My interpretation: another translation concludes with a version of the end sentence that I prefer: "Fundamentally, it [discretion] consists of an innate desire to have everything conform to reason, and to be subject to verification."
It is the throne of reason, the foundation ofprudence: by its means success is gained at little cost. It is a gift from above, and should be prayed for as the first and best quality. This the main piece of the panoply, and so important that its absence makes a man imperfect, whereas with other qualities it is merely a question of more or less. All the actions of life depend on its application; all require its assistance, for everything needs intelligence. Discretion consists in a natural tendency to the most rational course, combined with a liking for the surest.
My interpretation: another translation concludes with a version of the end sentence that I prefer: "Fundamentally, it [discretion] consists of an innate desire to have everything conform to reason, and to be subject to verification."
News and commentary for June 30, 2023From the Daily Reckoning: Rickards: "This Is Actually Terrifying". The “coup” in Russia is over but there’s a very worrying development going on in Ukraine right now that should frighten everyone... From Gilbert Doctorow: Regular Russian Army fast becoming world’s most powerful military in ground combat”
From USA Today: Are UPS workers going on strike? Here's what to know about Teamsters negotiations. [Ed: if Friday deadline on negotiations is not met, a strike is likely to occur on July 31.]
From the DoDo: Fearless Dog Goes On Rescue Mission To Save The Thing That She Loves Most.
Sweden and Nato and Turks...Oh My! From Al Monitor: Turkey holds up NATO defense strategy over straits amid Sweden standoff. As the July NATO summit approaches, Turkish demands over the Bosporus and Dardanelles straits, among other issues, are reportedly holding up a defense strategy overhaul, the most ambitious since the end of the Cold War. From Telegraph: Koran-burning in Sweden raises tensions with Turkey over Nato bid. Protester wipes feet with holy book before setting it on fire with bacon on cover. [Ed: Sweden acting as a haven for radical anti-Turkish Kurds is a sore spot for Erdogan.]
From the BBC News: Puppy gets head stuck in wall in Carlisle. [Ed: happy ending.]
From Spiked: The dystopian truth about a universal basic income. UBI devalues work, diminishes aspiration and ignores the progressive potential of automation.
Companies in Trouble. From Zero Hedge: General Mills Becomes Latest Company To Warn About Faltering Consumers. "This was GIS's largest quarterly sales miss in 8 years and will add fuel to the consumer staples bear case about disinflation having a negative impact on the business." [Ed: Biden will regret labeling the economy "Bidenomics."] From Reason: Trucking Company, Careening Toward Bankruptcy, Could Default on $700 Million Federal Bailout Loan.
From USA Today: SCOTUS Hands Big Win to Religious Freedom Advocates. Court sides with former postal worker Gerald Groff, who refused to work on Sundays
The Biden Crime Family. From the New York Post: Overseas payments to Biden family could exceed $40M, Comer says: ‘This was organized crime’. From the Babylon Bee: 7 Simple Ways To Get Away With A Massive Foreign Bribery Scheme. From the Red State: Another WhatsApp Message Emerges That Points Right to the 'Bidens' [Ed: I'm sure there's more to come. The Republicans are using a drip-drip method of release.]
From the BBC: Amritsar: The Indian city where no one goes hungry. [Ed: and feeding people is all a private, voluntary matter.]
From the Associated Press: Greece’s conservative New Democracy party wins landslide election victory for second 4-year term
Monetary Matters. From Politico.EU: Privacy fears dominate launch of digital euro plan. European Commission insists ECB won’t have access to people’s identities when they use the new version of the currency. [Ed: BS. Every transaction of every person will traced.] From the Spokesman-Review: King County stores must accept cash, County Council says. [Ed: Washington state. The 'homesless' and 'disenfranchised' argument may be what blocks a cashless society.] From Coin Telegraph: Hester Peirce: US Crypto Laws Can't Assume "Everything Is A Financial Asset".[Ed: new regulations are so coming.]
Social Media. From Big League Politics: Twitter Abandons Free Speech, Folds to New European Union Censorship Regulations.
From American Greatness: Victor Davis Hanson: Biden Abroad - The Moral And Material Collapse Of US Foreign Policy. It would be hard for a Chinese or Russian strategist to come up with a record better than Biden’s to emasculate America’s military and radically reduce its global stature... [Ed: I am not exaggerating. I do not believe America can survive a 2nd Biden Presidency.]
From the Burning Platform: The Competence Crisis, Or, Why Society Will Collapse For A Silly Reason.
Riots in France. From Zero Hedge: France Mobilizes 40,000 Police After All Hell Breaks Out. From BBC: Paris to close bus and tram services tonight as riots continue. [Ed: live feed on events.] From Portfolio Armor: Paris Is Burning
From YouTube: Baby Wolf Pups Howling
Upcoming NATO Summit (July 11). From Ukraine Pravda: Ukraine expects two results from NATO summits and accepts no compromise – President's Office. [Ed: given Erdogan's demands, the no compromise stand will sink the summit. Good.] From Reuters: Ukraine 'peace summit' talks make progress but long way to go, officials say From Anadolu Agency: Russian calls on ‘responsible’ countries to refrain from participating in planned Ukraine peace summit. Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova questions legitimacy of peace process without involvement of Russia, main country in conflict. [Ed: excluding one of the combatants means the negotiations are not serious.]
From Daily Happy Dog: Chocolate Labrador Gets Introduced To The World Of Bubbles, And His Bewildered Expression Is All Of Us During First-Time Experiences.
From Weather: Nebraska solar farm crippled by hail, underscoring power source's fragility.
From Reason: He's Facing Life in Prison for Owning Firearms Without a License. The government appears to agree that Charles Foehner shot a man in self-defense. He may spend decades behind bars anyway.
AI. From Anil Dash: Today’s AI is unreasonable. [Ed: fascinating but I don't know how to evaluate the claims.] From Naked Capitalism: AI = BS
From USA Today: Are UPS workers going on strike? Here's what to know about Teamsters negotiations. [Ed: if Friday deadline on negotiations is not met, a strike is likely to occur on July 31.]
From the DoDo: Fearless Dog Goes On Rescue Mission To Save The Thing That She Loves Most.
Sweden and Nato and Turks...Oh My! From Al Monitor: Turkey holds up NATO defense strategy over straits amid Sweden standoff. As the July NATO summit approaches, Turkish demands over the Bosporus and Dardanelles straits, among other issues, are reportedly holding up a defense strategy overhaul, the most ambitious since the end of the Cold War. From Telegraph: Koran-burning in Sweden raises tensions with Turkey over Nato bid. Protester wipes feet with holy book before setting it on fire with bacon on cover. [Ed: Sweden acting as a haven for radical anti-Turkish Kurds is a sore spot for Erdogan.]
From the BBC News: Puppy gets head stuck in wall in Carlisle. [Ed: happy ending.]
From Spiked: The dystopian truth about a universal basic income. UBI devalues work, diminishes aspiration and ignores the progressive potential of automation.
Companies in Trouble. From Zero Hedge: General Mills Becomes Latest Company To Warn About Faltering Consumers. "This was GIS's largest quarterly sales miss in 8 years and will add fuel to the consumer staples bear case about disinflation having a negative impact on the business." [Ed: Biden will regret labeling the economy "Bidenomics."] From Reason: Trucking Company, Careening Toward Bankruptcy, Could Default on $700 Million Federal Bailout Loan.
From USA Today: SCOTUS Hands Big Win to Religious Freedom Advocates. Court sides with former postal worker Gerald Groff, who refused to work on Sundays
The Biden Crime Family. From the New York Post: Overseas payments to Biden family could exceed $40M, Comer says: ‘This was organized crime’. From the Babylon Bee: 7 Simple Ways To Get Away With A Massive Foreign Bribery Scheme. From the Red State: Another WhatsApp Message Emerges That Points Right to the 'Bidens' [Ed: I'm sure there's more to come. The Republicans are using a drip-drip method of release.]
From the BBC: Amritsar: The Indian city where no one goes hungry. [Ed: and feeding people is all a private, voluntary matter.]
From the Associated Press: Greece’s conservative New Democracy party wins landslide election victory for second 4-year term
Monetary Matters. From Politico.EU: Privacy fears dominate launch of digital euro plan. European Commission insists ECB won’t have access to people’s identities when they use the new version of the currency. [Ed: BS. Every transaction of every person will traced.] From the Spokesman-Review: King County stores must accept cash, County Council says. [Ed: Washington state. The 'homesless' and 'disenfranchised' argument may be what blocks a cashless society.] From Coin Telegraph: Hester Peirce: US Crypto Laws Can't Assume "Everything Is A Financial Asset".[Ed: new regulations are so coming.]
Social Media. From Big League Politics: Twitter Abandons Free Speech, Folds to New European Union Censorship Regulations.
From American Greatness: Victor Davis Hanson: Biden Abroad - The Moral And Material Collapse Of US Foreign Policy. It would be hard for a Chinese or Russian strategist to come up with a record better than Biden’s to emasculate America’s military and radically reduce its global stature... [Ed: I am not exaggerating. I do not believe America can survive a 2nd Biden Presidency.]
From the Burning Platform: The Competence Crisis, Or, Why Society Will Collapse For A Silly Reason.
Riots in France. From Zero Hedge: France Mobilizes 40,000 Police After All Hell Breaks Out. From BBC: Paris to close bus and tram services tonight as riots continue. [Ed: live feed on events.] From Portfolio Armor: Paris Is Burning
From YouTube: Baby Wolf Pups Howling
Upcoming NATO Summit (July 11). From Ukraine Pravda: Ukraine expects two results from NATO summits and accepts no compromise – President's Office. [Ed: given Erdogan's demands, the no compromise stand will sink the summit. Good.] From Reuters: Ukraine 'peace summit' talks make progress but long way to go, officials say From Anadolu Agency: Russian calls on ‘responsible’ countries to refrain from participating in planned Ukraine peace summit. Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova questions legitimacy of peace process without involvement of Russia, main country in conflict. [Ed: excluding one of the combatants means the negotiations are not serious.]
From Daily Happy Dog: Chocolate Labrador Gets Introduced To The World Of Bubbles, And His Bewildered Expression Is All Of Us During First-Time Experiences.
From Weather: Nebraska solar farm crippled by hail, underscoring power source's fragility.
From Reason: He's Facing Life in Prison for Owning Firearms Without a License. The government appears to agree that Charles Foehner shot a man in self-defense. He may spend decades behind bars anyway.
AI. From Anil Dash: Today’s AI is unreasonable. [Ed: fascinating but I don't know how to evaluate the claims.] From Naked Capitalism: AI = BS
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