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Wednesday 05 July 2023
News and commentary for July 05, 2023From Amnesty International: Prime Minister Albanese: This must be Julian Assange’s last birthday without freedom. [Ed: on July 3, Assange turned 52.]
France. From Unherd: As France burns, the far-Right rises. Emmanuel Macron has ignored the plight of the suburbs. [Ed: as in the suburb in which the mayor's house was set on fire and his family had to flee, being injured in the process.] From Breitbart: French Media Reports Vigilante Gang Zip-Tying Rioters And Handing Them to Police.From Politico.EU: The politics of the French riots. This is largely an insurrection without aims: a scream of fury, an anarchic rejection of government; an act of gang-warfare writ large; a competition in performative destruction.
From the Associated Press: Passport Crisis Snarls Travel. Scaled back during pandemic, agency now can't recover. "So grim is the outlook that US officials aren't even denying the problem or predicting when it will ease."
From the Bored Panda: My Name Is Gizmo. No, Not The Gremlin.
China. From RT: China urges increased use of national currencies. Members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) should also focus on developing sovereign digital currencies, President Xi Jinping has said. From Moon of Alabama: Punishing Sanctions....Xi to Biden:
From American Greatness: The Bidens' Existential Threats To The American Rule Of Law: VDH. [Ed: VDH=Victor Davis Hanson.]
Russia. From Libertarian Institute: Ukrainian Forces Are Using Internationally-Banned Scatter Mines. Kiev previously ratified a treaty outlawing their use. [Ed: Russia uses them as well but Russia did not sign the treaty.] From Politico.EU: Ukraine warns of nuclear disaster as Russia orders staff to leave power plant. International Atomic Energy Agency found no visible mines at Zaporizhzhia nuclear power station but still needs better access. [Ed: more likely, Putin thinks the Ukraine is planning to stage an event and he wants the Russians to be as far away from it geographically and politically as possible.]
From Consortium News: Ukraine Timeline Tells the Story. [Ed: a must read.]
Germany. From Remix News: AfD Wins First Mayoral Election In Germany, Rival Politicians Warn Of More Victories Ahead [Ed: the left has brought this on itself.] From Unherd: The real story behind the AfD’s rise. The party is filling a vacuum on the German Right
From the Consent Factory: The Criminalization Of Dissent (Revisited). Greetings from Thoughtcriminal 231Js1736/23!
From 396 Rocks: 12 Harmful Things You Do To Your Dog Without Realizing It.
From Zero Hedge: Life Cycle Emissions: EVs Vs Combustion Engine Vehicles. ...not as big a difference as some would have you believe?
From Reasons to be Cheerful: The Cascading Effects of Bringing Back Sea Otters. In Oregon and California, efforts to repopulate these furry engineers could revive struggling ocean ecosystems.
From Rebel News: Advocates warn that Health Canada’s sweeping natural product regulations will decimate the industry [Ed: the regulations seem designed to decimate the industry and force people into traditional medicine.. From Canada Gazette: Regulations Amending the Natural Health Products Regulations: SOR/2022-146.
From Canada Free Press: Court rules Oregon anti-recording law unconstitutional following James O’Keefe and Project Veritas lawsuit. [Ed: good on him!]
From Zero Hedge: Colossal Value Of Wagner State Contracts Revealed By Russian Media. [Ed: Putin is preparing to push corruption charges on Prigozhin, clearly.[
From Good News Network: Man Whose Dog Ran Away While He Was in a Coma Is Reunited Thanks to Strangers on Internet
Student Loan Politics. From Jonathan Turley: Constitutional Cruelty: Democrats now Oppose a Democratic Process on Student Loans. From Reason: Despite SCOTUS Smackdown, Biden Will Still Extract Billions From Taxpayers for Student Loans. Biden's proposed income-driven repayment plan could still cost taxpayers billions. And it will likely raise tuition too.
Falling for Another Hoax? From the Independent: Conservatives calling liberals RACIST for implying BLACK people “not SMART enough” to enter Universities without affirmative action. [Ed: a poster named Erica Marsh caused quite the stir. Only Erica doesn't seem to really exist.] From Townhall: This Woman Was a Popular Liberal Account on Twitter. She Also Never Existed. [Ed: either a spoof or a bot, IMO.]
From Zero Hedge: Sweden's NATO Membership Is A Pipe Dream, Turkey Says Ahead Of Summit. [Ed: this is going to be some summit.]
From RT: Injuries reported in Tel Aviv car attack. The incident comes a day after Israel launched an “extensive counter-terrorism effort” in the West Bank. [Ed: I haven't been focusing on it, but hostilities are increasing re: Israel.] From antiwar: The Armed Revolt: Why Israel Cannot Crush the Resistance in Palestine. From the Cradle: Israel Conducts Largest Military Incursion Of West Bank Since 2002
From Dog Express: Celebrating 100 years of Loyalty: The Unwavering Canine Who Awaited its Deceased Owner for Decades.
Everyday Finances. From Mish Talk: Will Florida’s Immigration Crackdown Cause a Spike in Food and Shelter? From the Daily Wire: Inflation Causes Fourth Of July Cookout Items To Hit Record High: Report. Reminds me of the old Soviet joke: “How’s today, Boris.” “Average.” “Average?” “Worse than yesterday, better than tomorrow, so average.” In the Biden era, we live in an old Soviet joke. From Zero Hedge: Two Charts For Cash-Strapped Consumers Preparing For Backyard Barbecues. "Backyard barbecues are a favorite for many Americans as they celebrate Independence Day, but consumers may want to limit their hamburger intake." [Ed: yes, yes, I know 4th of July has passed but these insights have not.]
From Positive News: Small acts of kindness are frequent and universal, finds study. According to scientists, humans are wired for kindness, irrespective of the culture they’re from or where they live
From Daily Happy Dog: Los Angeles Police Officers Have Welcomed A Tiny Puppy Into Their K-9 Unit. [Ed: included for the photos.]
France. From Unherd: As France burns, the far-Right rises. Emmanuel Macron has ignored the plight of the suburbs. [Ed: as in the suburb in which the mayor's house was set on fire and his family had to flee, being injured in the process.] From Breitbart: French Media Reports Vigilante Gang Zip-Tying Rioters And Handing Them to Police.From Politico.EU: The politics of the French riots. This is largely an insurrection without aims: a scream of fury, an anarchic rejection of government; an act of gang-warfare writ large; a competition in performative destruction.
From the Associated Press: Passport Crisis Snarls Travel. Scaled back during pandemic, agency now can't recover. "So grim is the outlook that US officials aren't even denying the problem or predicting when it will ease."
From the Bored Panda: My Name Is Gizmo. No, Not The Gremlin.
China. From RT: China urges increased use of national currencies. Members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) should also focus on developing sovereign digital currencies, President Xi Jinping has said. From Moon of Alabama: Punishing Sanctions....Xi to Biden:
From American Greatness: The Bidens' Existential Threats To The American Rule Of Law: VDH. [Ed: VDH=Victor Davis Hanson.]
Russia. From Libertarian Institute: Ukrainian Forces Are Using Internationally-Banned Scatter Mines. Kiev previously ratified a treaty outlawing their use. [Ed: Russia uses them as well but Russia did not sign the treaty.] From Politico.EU: Ukraine warns of nuclear disaster as Russia orders staff to leave power plant. International Atomic Energy Agency found no visible mines at Zaporizhzhia nuclear power station but still needs better access. [Ed: more likely, Putin thinks the Ukraine is planning to stage an event and he wants the Russians to be as far away from it geographically and politically as possible.]
From Consortium News: Ukraine Timeline Tells the Story. [Ed: a must read.]
Germany. From Remix News: AfD Wins First Mayoral Election In Germany, Rival Politicians Warn Of More Victories Ahead [Ed: the left has brought this on itself.] From Unherd: The real story behind the AfD’s rise. The party is filling a vacuum on the German Right
From the Consent Factory: The Criminalization Of Dissent (Revisited). Greetings from Thoughtcriminal 231Js1736/23!
From 396 Rocks: 12 Harmful Things You Do To Your Dog Without Realizing It.
From Zero Hedge: Life Cycle Emissions: EVs Vs Combustion Engine Vehicles. ...not as big a difference as some would have you believe?
From Reasons to be Cheerful: The Cascading Effects of Bringing Back Sea Otters. In Oregon and California, efforts to repopulate these furry engineers could revive struggling ocean ecosystems.
From Rebel News: Advocates warn that Health Canada’s sweeping natural product regulations will decimate the industry [Ed: the regulations seem designed to decimate the industry and force people into traditional medicine.. From Canada Gazette: Regulations Amending the Natural Health Products Regulations: SOR/2022-146.
From Canada Free Press: Court rules Oregon anti-recording law unconstitutional following James O’Keefe and Project Veritas lawsuit. [Ed: good on him!]
From Zero Hedge: Colossal Value Of Wagner State Contracts Revealed By Russian Media. [Ed: Putin is preparing to push corruption charges on Prigozhin, clearly.[
From Good News Network: Man Whose Dog Ran Away While He Was in a Coma Is Reunited Thanks to Strangers on Internet
Student Loan Politics. From Jonathan Turley: Constitutional Cruelty: Democrats now Oppose a Democratic Process on Student Loans. From Reason: Despite SCOTUS Smackdown, Biden Will Still Extract Billions From Taxpayers for Student Loans. Biden's proposed income-driven repayment plan could still cost taxpayers billions. And it will likely raise tuition too.
Falling for Another Hoax? From the Independent: Conservatives calling liberals RACIST for implying BLACK people “not SMART enough” to enter Universities without affirmative action. [Ed: a poster named Erica Marsh caused quite the stir. Only Erica doesn't seem to really exist.] From Townhall: This Woman Was a Popular Liberal Account on Twitter. She Also Never Existed. [Ed: either a spoof or a bot, IMO.]
From Zero Hedge: Sweden's NATO Membership Is A Pipe Dream, Turkey Says Ahead Of Summit. [Ed: this is going to be some summit.]
From RT: Injuries reported in Tel Aviv car attack. The incident comes a day after Israel launched an “extensive counter-terrorism effort” in the West Bank. [Ed: I haven't been focusing on it, but hostilities are increasing re: Israel.] From antiwar: The Armed Revolt: Why Israel Cannot Crush the Resistance in Palestine. From the Cradle: Israel Conducts Largest Military Incursion Of West Bank Since 2002
From Dog Express: Celebrating 100 years of Loyalty: The Unwavering Canine Who Awaited its Deceased Owner for Decades.
Everyday Finances. From Mish Talk: Will Florida’s Immigration Crackdown Cause a Spike in Food and Shelter? From the Daily Wire: Inflation Causes Fourth Of July Cookout Items To Hit Record High: Report. Reminds me of the old Soviet joke: “How’s today, Boris.” “Average.” “Average?” “Worse than yesterday, better than tomorrow, so average.” In the Biden era, we live in an old Soviet joke. From Zero Hedge: Two Charts For Cash-Strapped Consumers Preparing For Backyard Barbecues. "Backyard barbecues are a favorite for many Americans as they celebrate Independence Day, but consumers may want to limit their hamburger intake." [Ed: yes, yes, I know 4th of July has passed but these insights have not.]
From Positive News: Small acts of kindness are frequent and universal, finds study. According to scientists, humans are wired for kindness, irrespective of the culture they’re from or where they live
From Daily Happy Dog: Los Angeles Police Officers Have Welcomed A Tiny Puppy Into Their K-9 Unit. [Ed: included for the photos.]
Tuesday 04 July 2023
Baltasar Gracian Aphorism #100: The Valiant Man is Without Illusions[To access past Gracian aphorism's and my subjective interpretation of them, click here.]
Baltasar Gracian Aphorism #100: The Valiant Man is Without Illusions
...the virtuous Christian is wise; the courier is philosophical. These worthies do not parade their virtues, much less pretend to them when they do not have them. The philosopher is now discredited, in the popular mind, in spite of the fact that his knowledge used to be the principle occupation of the wise; logic is now looked upon contemptuously. It was introduced into Rome by Seneca, and was long a requisite in court, though now it is regarded as irrelevant. Even so, a logical insight remains the posture of Prudence and pleasure of Rectitude.
My interpretation: this one almost makes me sad. But Gracian is correct. Characteristics that I consider to be virtues are often demeaned in our society; being logical is seen as being repressed or cold, for example. Philosophy is viewed as a study that has nothing to do with every day life, when it used to inform the most important aspects of living. The classical Greek philosophers asked and answered questions such as "what is friendship?" "What is the good life?" Philosophers today seem caught in posing hypotheticals such as "would you push a button that saves a planet but kills an innocent man."
Baltasar Gracian Aphorism #100: The Valiant Man is Without Illusions
...the virtuous Christian is wise; the courier is philosophical. These worthies do not parade their virtues, much less pretend to them when they do not have them. The philosopher is now discredited, in the popular mind, in spite of the fact that his knowledge used to be the principle occupation of the wise; logic is now looked upon contemptuously. It was introduced into Rome by Seneca, and was long a requisite in court, though now it is regarded as irrelevant. Even so, a logical insight remains the posture of Prudence and pleasure of Rectitude.
My interpretation: this one almost makes me sad. But Gracian is correct. Characteristics that I consider to be virtues are often demeaned in our society; being logical is seen as being repressed or cold, for example. Philosophy is viewed as a study that has nothing to do with every day life, when it used to inform the most important aspects of living. The classical Greek philosophers asked and answered questions such as "what is friendship?" "What is the good life?" Philosophers today seem caught in posing hypotheticals such as "would you push a button that saves a planet but kills an innocent man."
News and commentary for July 04, 2023Americans Do NOT Travel. From Reason: Government Ruins Yet Another Holiday Travel Weekend. Phantom thunderstorms scotch thousands of flights, because the FAA sucks. [Ed: but at least Buttigeig is on the job, being seen everywhere and...oh, wait.] From the Hill: Buttigieg says Supreme Court gay wedding website case shows ‘a solution looking for a problem’ [Ed: First of all, this analysis is ridiculous. Most of all, why is he dwelling on the ruling when 1/2 the airports in the U.S. are paralyzed?]
From the Laughing Squid: Devoted Squirrel Visits Dog Daily Through Window
From Zero Hedge: AI Companies Negotiate Landmark Deals To Train Chatbots On MSM News. All the news that's fit to shape narratives... AND Musk's Tweet-Limiting Move Is To Prevent The Completion Of The "AI-Censorship-Death-Star". "You are going to see the censorship industry howl over this... whether Musk knows it or not, he has stepped on a rattlesnake."
From Daily Mail: 'This is desperate': Bud Light is mocked over new ad featuring Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce and men GRUNTING in bid to reverse Dylan Mulvaney disaster and appeal to male drinkers. [Ed: what the hell were they thinking of?] From Newsweek: Fox News Airs Segment Encouraging Viewers to Drink Bud Light.
Joe's Granddaughters. From Breitbart: President Joe Biden reportedly used his influence to pressure UPenn to admit his granddaughter to college — then appointed the president of the university to a plum ambassadorship. [Ed: and, yet, he denounced legacy practices in wake of the SCOTUS affirmative action decision.] From BPR: ‘Monsters’: Biden hammered over NY Times report he told aids to only count 6 grandchildren, not Hunter’s lovechild.
From the Visual Capitalist: Mapped: The State of Economic Freedom in 2023. [Ed: very interesting to browse.]
Russia. From Politico.EU: Wagner Group boss shutters media empire. Moscow has blocked access to outlets controlled by Yevgeny Prigozhin’s Patriot Media. AND Wagner boss Yevgeny Prigozhin resurfaces with new message. Russian warlord reappears with first audio message in a week following failed uprising. [Ed: not much of a message but important that it appeared.] From Dances with Bears: WHAT’S THE SCORE NOW IN THE RUSSIAN REGIME-CHANGING GAME?
From the Bored Panda: The 2023 Big Picture Natural World Photography Competition Is Over, And Here Are 47 Of The Most Stunning Photographs.
From Time: Dalio: Why The World Is On The Brink Of Great Disorder. I saw three big things happening that hadn’t happened in my lifetime but had happened in the 1930-45 period... [Ed: I do not mean to be doom and gloom but people should make common sense preparations.]
From Zero Hedge: USSC Chief Justice Roberts Slams 'Misleading' Liberal Justices Over 'Disturbing' Activist Opinions. It's important that the public not be misled...
Ukraine. From BBC: Young Writer Among the Dead in Russian Strike on Pizza Parlor. Victoria Amelina, 37, documented war crimes. From USA Watchdog: "The Great Reset Is What Globalists Want... But The Great Reject Is What They'll Get". "They don’t have a real conflict with Ukraine and Russia. They just need a way out, and it is the most profitable way out. They are going to default on all this debt, and this is how they are going to do it..." From Simplicius the Thinker: SITREP 6/30/23: Winds Gather Before the NATO Summit. [Ed: a must read. Great map.] From Scheer Post: Chris Hedges: They Lied About Afghanistan. They Lied About Iraq. And They Are Lying About Ukraine. [Ed: it is criminally naive to think otherwise.] From the Gray Zone: All aboard the gravy train: an independent audit of US funding for Ukraine From the American Thinker: Western Leaders Have Effectively Embraced Ukrainian Nazism [Ed: there are still people who think calling them Nazis is an exaggeration. It is not.[
U.S. Taxes. From Mish Talk: The Wealth Tax Idea Is Headed For Sudden Death In The Supreme Court. [Ed: expect increased calls to radically 'reform' SCOTUS.] AND Will AI Replace Skilled Programmers? When? Should We Tax Robots?
From GoodNewsNetwork: Dog Learns the Hard Way Not to Mess With Porcupines–or Disagree With Dad on Car Ride to Vet (WATCH) [Ed: oh the memories this invokes!]
2024 Elections. From the Washington Examiner: Newsom hits campaign trail for Biden while seeking to build national profile. From the Federalist Papers: Lindsay Graham Gets Massive Amounts of Boos While Speaking at Trump Rally, Former President Intervenes. [Ed: well deserved heckling.] From Responsible Statecraft: There are plenty of reasons to boo Lindsey Graham off a stage. Let us count the ways.
From Spiked: This rush to electric cars is a colossal mistake. Only China and the rich will benefit from this hasty transition to an all-electric future.
Hunter and Guns. From the Washington Examiner: Biden loses ‘ghost gun’ case, ATF ban ‘unlawful’. [Ed: with Hunter getting off on blatant violations of gun law, Biden has no political credibility left.] From NewsMax: Rep. Tim Burchett to Newsmax: 'Classic Misdirection' in Hunter Biden Case
From the Daily Mail: Life in the fast lane! How reckless Hunter Biden photographed himself driving at 172mph while behind the wheel of his Porsche en route to a days-long Vegas bender with prostitutes and pictured himself smoking CRACK while behind the wheel
From Daily Happy Dog: Dog Rescued From Burning House Gives Thanks To The Firefighters Who Saved Her.
From the Associated Press: Israel Hits West Bank With Biggest Strikes Since 2006. At least 8 Palestinians killed in refugee camp, with 50 injured
Chaos in France. From the BBC: False posts about French riots spread online. [Ed: never immediately believe a news account.] From Zero Hedge: Macron Demands Platforms Delete Riot Content; Blames Social Media & Video Games For Protest Spread. [Ed: an excuse to impose censorship.] From the BBC: French violence is 'not for Nahel' - family. [Ed: overview.] From AA: Violent protests in France spread to Switzerland From Al Jazeera: The latest from France, protests. From EuroNews: The latest from France, protests.
From FOX News: Police bodycam shows frantic rescue of three dogs from house fire in Fairfax County, Virginia
From the Laughing Squid: Devoted Squirrel Visits Dog Daily Through Window
From Zero Hedge: AI Companies Negotiate Landmark Deals To Train Chatbots On MSM News. All the news that's fit to shape narratives... AND Musk's Tweet-Limiting Move Is To Prevent The Completion Of The "AI-Censorship-Death-Star". "You are going to see the censorship industry howl over this... whether Musk knows it or not, he has stepped on a rattlesnake."
From Daily Mail: 'This is desperate': Bud Light is mocked over new ad featuring Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce and men GRUNTING in bid to reverse Dylan Mulvaney disaster and appeal to male drinkers. [Ed: what the hell were they thinking of?] From Newsweek: Fox News Airs Segment Encouraging Viewers to Drink Bud Light.
Joe's Granddaughters. From Breitbart: President Joe Biden reportedly used his influence to pressure UPenn to admit his granddaughter to college — then appointed the president of the university to a plum ambassadorship. [Ed: and, yet, he denounced legacy practices in wake of the SCOTUS affirmative action decision.] From BPR: ‘Monsters’: Biden hammered over NY Times report he told aids to only count 6 grandchildren, not Hunter’s lovechild.
From the Visual Capitalist: Mapped: The State of Economic Freedom in 2023. [Ed: very interesting to browse.]
Russia. From Politico.EU: Wagner Group boss shutters media empire. Moscow has blocked access to outlets controlled by Yevgeny Prigozhin’s Patriot Media. AND Wagner boss Yevgeny Prigozhin resurfaces with new message. Russian warlord reappears with first audio message in a week following failed uprising. [Ed: not much of a message but important that it appeared.] From Dances with Bears: WHAT’S THE SCORE NOW IN THE RUSSIAN REGIME-CHANGING GAME?
From the Bored Panda: The 2023 Big Picture Natural World Photography Competition Is Over, And Here Are 47 Of The Most Stunning Photographs.
From Time: Dalio: Why The World Is On The Brink Of Great Disorder. I saw three big things happening that hadn’t happened in my lifetime but had happened in the 1930-45 period... [Ed: I do not mean to be doom and gloom but people should make common sense preparations.]
From Zero Hedge: USSC Chief Justice Roberts Slams 'Misleading' Liberal Justices Over 'Disturbing' Activist Opinions. It's important that the public not be misled...
Ukraine. From BBC: Young Writer Among the Dead in Russian Strike on Pizza Parlor. Victoria Amelina, 37, documented war crimes. From USA Watchdog: "The Great Reset Is What Globalists Want... But The Great Reject Is What They'll Get". "They don’t have a real conflict with Ukraine and Russia. They just need a way out, and it is the most profitable way out. They are going to default on all this debt, and this is how they are going to do it..." From Simplicius the Thinker: SITREP 6/30/23: Winds Gather Before the NATO Summit. [Ed: a must read. Great map.] From Scheer Post: Chris Hedges: They Lied About Afghanistan. They Lied About Iraq. And They Are Lying About Ukraine. [Ed: it is criminally naive to think otherwise.] From the Gray Zone: All aboard the gravy train: an independent audit of US funding for Ukraine From the American Thinker: Western Leaders Have Effectively Embraced Ukrainian Nazism [Ed: there are still people who think calling them Nazis is an exaggeration. It is not.[
U.S. Taxes. From Mish Talk: The Wealth Tax Idea Is Headed For Sudden Death In The Supreme Court. [Ed: expect increased calls to radically 'reform' SCOTUS.] AND Will AI Replace Skilled Programmers? When? Should We Tax Robots?
From GoodNewsNetwork: Dog Learns the Hard Way Not to Mess With Porcupines–or Disagree With Dad on Car Ride to Vet (WATCH) [Ed: oh the memories this invokes!]
2024 Elections. From the Washington Examiner: Newsom hits campaign trail for Biden while seeking to build national profile. From the Federalist Papers: Lindsay Graham Gets Massive Amounts of Boos While Speaking at Trump Rally, Former President Intervenes. [Ed: well deserved heckling.] From Responsible Statecraft: There are plenty of reasons to boo Lindsey Graham off a stage. Let us count the ways.
From Spiked: This rush to electric cars is a colossal mistake. Only China and the rich will benefit from this hasty transition to an all-electric future.
Hunter and Guns. From the Washington Examiner: Biden loses ‘ghost gun’ case, ATF ban ‘unlawful’. [Ed: with Hunter getting off on blatant violations of gun law, Biden has no political credibility left.] From NewsMax: Rep. Tim Burchett to Newsmax: 'Classic Misdirection' in Hunter Biden Case
From the Daily Mail: Life in the fast lane! How reckless Hunter Biden photographed himself driving at 172mph while behind the wheel of his Porsche en route to a days-long Vegas bender with prostitutes and pictured himself smoking CRACK while behind the wheel
From Daily Happy Dog: Dog Rescued From Burning House Gives Thanks To The Firefighters Who Saved Her.
From the Associated Press: Israel Hits West Bank With Biggest Strikes Since 2006. At least 8 Palestinians killed in refugee camp, with 50 injured
Chaos in France. From the BBC: False posts about French riots spread online. [Ed: never immediately believe a news account.] From Zero Hedge: Macron Demands Platforms Delete Riot Content; Blames Social Media & Video Games For Protest Spread. [Ed: an excuse to impose censorship.] From the BBC: French violence is 'not for Nahel' - family. [Ed: overview.] From AA: Violent protests in France spread to Switzerland From Al Jazeera: The latest from France, protests. From EuroNews: The latest from France, protests.
From FOX News: Police bodycam shows frantic rescue of three dogs from house fire in Fairfax County, Virginia
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 ... ]
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