Have an excellent holiday weekend and Happy New Year! I will see you bright and early Monday morning, please stay safe.
Friday, December 31, 2021
Things
Washington Post: Opinion: Some Things That Didn’t Go Wrong in 2021 By Alexandra Petri
– Book-banning efforts still not entirely successful in all places!
Vance
The fate of the Trump inquiry, which could result in the first indictment of an American president in history, will help shape the public understanding of Mr. Vance’s tenure.
Verdict
Read this one.
The Palmer Report: Here’s the thing about the Ghislaine Maxwell verdict by Bill Palmer
Wildfires
This is an extreme tragedy for the people in the middle of this wildfire. It strikes me that this seems highly unusual to have wildfires of this nature in the Winter, yet we know extreme weather conditions are the new normal.
The fires, burning to the north and south of the city of Boulder, were fanned by gusts that whipped flames and smoke into a frenzy. Officials said during a Thursday evening news conference that the fires had already blackened 1,600 acres.
Virus
With more than 580,000 cases (on Thursday), the United States shattered its own record for new daily coronavirus cases — beating a milestone it already broke just the day before.
The Market On New Year's Eve
Good morning. At 8:20 a.m. ET DOW futures are -60; the market is poised to open moderately lower.
CNN: Ikea is raising prices by 9% in 2022 By Parija Kavilanz
Market Watch: Is the U.S. stock market closed on Friday for New Year’s Eve? No. It isn’t even closed on Monday. Here’s why! By Mark DeCambre
Thursday, December 30, 2021
Inflation
The more someone shops online rather than in stores, the less inflation the individual has faced.
Upheld
“Defendants are not, as they argue, charged with anything like burning flags, wearing black armbands, or participating in mere sit-ins or protests,” he wrote in a 43-page ruling. “Moreover, even if the charged conduct had some expressive aspect, it lost whatever first amendment protection it may have had.”
Never
Washington Post: Opinion: This is the worst economy we never had by Dana Milbank
“America’s economy improved more in Joe Biden’s first 12 months than any president during the past 50 years notwithstanding the contrary media narrative contributing to dour public opinion..."
NY Times: Do We Have the Supreme Court We Deserve? By Linda Greenhouse
Let’s not forget that two of Donald Trump’s three appointments arrived under debatable circumstances, with Justice Neil Gorsuch taking a seat in 2017 that was Barack Obama’s to fill and Justice Amy Coney Barrett being jammed through to confirmation late in 2020.
The Market On Thursday
Good morning. At 7:40 a.m. ET DOW futures are +44; the market is poised to open moderately higher.
Wednesday, December 29, 2021
Guilty
NBC New York: Ghislaine Maxwell Found Guilty in Sex Trafficking Case
Maxwell could face up to 60 years in prison at her sentencing, which will be held at a later date.
Data
Axios: Fauci: Data suggests Omicron less severe than Delta by Erin Doherty
Fauci cautioned that "it is difficult to determine what degree of lessened severity is due to pre-existing immunity or the intrinsically lower virulence of Omicron ... or a combination of both."
Ten
Washington Post: Opinion: The 10 best things Biden did in 2021 By Marc A. Thiessen
1. He signed a $1.2 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill into law.
Oklahoma
Next door to a Pentecostal church in the tiny town of Keota, the smell of marijuana drifts through the air at the G & C Dispensary.
Omicron
“Maybe pushing Delta out is actually a good thing, and we’re looking at something we can live with more easily and that will disrupt us less than the previous variants.”
The Market On Wednesday
Good morning. At 7:40 a.m. ET DOW futures are +26; the market is poised to open moderately higher.
CNN: Waymo will partner with China's Geely to develop electric robotaxis By Diksha Madhok
Tuesday, December 28, 2021
Committee
By getting Trump's phone records from January 5th and 6th, the committee and all of us will learn how much or how little Trump was in contact with his Willard Hotel War Room lieutenants. If for example Trump was in fact in contact with these traitors, it would completely negate the idea that Trump had no idea that January 6th would turn into a deadly riot. At that point it would be clear that Trump knew what was coming. Trump does not want this information revealed and this is why he is trying very hard to not allow his phone records to be released. That case is now before the Supreme Court and is expected to get thrown out. But honestly, can we count on it getting thrown out? Probably not.
The Palmer Report: January 6th Committee zeroes in on Donald Trump and the Willard Hotel by Bill Palmer
Disease
May I suggest that you read information like this article with a grain of salt. There are other articles which seem to suggest the similar idea that Omicron is 'less severe'. This does not mean let your guard down.
Omicron
But on Monday, it slashed that period to five days for those without symptoms, or those without fevers whose other symptoms were resolving.
Americans leaving isolation should wear masks around others for an additional five days after their isolation periods have ended, officials said.
Mars
He’s currently at work on a full agricultural system, including bacteria, earthworms and human excrement. The idea, Dr. Wamelink said, is “to boldly grow where no plant has grown before.” Today, Mars on Earth. Tomorrow, perhaps Mars itself.
The Market On Tuesday
Good morning. At 7:25 a.m. ET DOW futures are +90; the market is poised to open significantly higher.
CNN: Exclusive: Gas prices will flirt with $4 a gallon by Memorial Day, GasBuddy predicts By Matt Egan
Monday, December 27, 2021
Investigate
Guardian UK: Capitol panel to investigate Trump call to Willard hotel in hours before attack by Hugo Lowell
Trump first told the lieutenants his vice-president, Mike Pence, was reluctant to go along with the plan to commandeer his ceremonial role at the joint session of Congress in a way that would allow Trump to retain the presidency for a second term, the sources said.
Disgust
Disgust shapes our behavior, our technology, our relationships. It is the reason we wear deodorant, use the bathroom in private and wield forks instead of eating with our bare hands.
'Hot Kiss' And 'Your Speaking My Language'
Juliette & The Licks - you might recognize the singer, in case you do not, that is actress Juliette Lewis.
Tricks
Washington Post: Opinion: The bad guys on social media are learning new tricks By Editorial Board
Brigading means commenting or posting repetitively and at volume to harass or silence others. Take, for instance, Meta’s removal of a network in Italy and France linked to an anti-vaccination movement known as V_V. In this case, the brigadiers planned on messaging platform Telegram to intimidate doctors, journalists and media out of discussing coronavirus vaccination. Where one vicious or misleading post might not have much of an impact, a thousand can make someone never want to speak up again — and intimidate those who identify with a bombarded individual.
How Close
Apparently we don't have enough things to be concerned about. This is just plain nuts, but hey, Donald Trump...
CNN: How close is the US to civil war? Closer than you think, study says
Morning Joe - Trump Appears To Make Political Calculation In Praise For Covid Vaccines
I personally think Trump got played by Biden. Biden praised him for Covid vaccines, and the egomaniac bought it.
The Market On Monday
Good morning. At 7:15 a.m. ET DOW futures are +17; the market is poised to open modestly higher.
Friday, December 24, 2021
Netherlands
NY Times: We’re Locked Down Again in the Netherlands. Here’s a Warning. By Senay Boztas
Since 5 a.m. on Sunday, bars, restaurants, museums, schools, clothing stores, gift shops and anything resembling fun have been closed across the Netherlands.
Cruelest
Washington Post: Opinion: Biden is quietly erasing one of Trump’s cruelest legacies By Paul Waldman and Greg Sargent
When Biden took office, nearly 20 mostly Republican-controlled states were in the process of crafting work requirements for Medicaid, on which 76 million Americans rely.
Now, Medicaid work requirements are all but dead in all those states.
Joan Didion
NY Times: Migraines, Marriage, Mourning: Joan Didion Showed Us How to Bare All by Frank Bruni
"...I want you to understand exactly what you are getting: You are getting a woman who for some time now has felt radically separated from most of the ideas that seem to interest other people. You are getting a woman who somewhere along the line misplaced whatever slight faith she ever had in the social contract, in the meliorative principle, in the whole grand pattern of human endeavor.”
Have An Excellent Christmas Eve
work by Mary Delany 1700–1788.
"In her 70s, Delany invented a form of paper-cutting or decoupage, which she called her "paper mosaiks" and created 985 of these intricate illustrations of botanical specimens." source
Probably Not
Given the tremendous amount of deference afforded to all ex-presidents, I am now of the opinion that Trump walks for January 6th. Is he deserving of criminal charges, yes he is. Behind it all is simply the amount of force and power political parties and corporations exert on such matters. Could I be wrong. Yes, and for the sake of the tiny connection to democracy some of the country still holds, I hope I am. Hope for the best, brace for the likely worst.
Fit
The American College Of Sports Medicine: Fit and Tipsy? The Interrelationship between Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Alcohol Consumption and Dependence
Endemic
Beyond that, there is growing evidence that the new variant is more mild, at least for those who are vaccinated. Three studies — in South Africa, England and Scotland — all suggested that while the variant is more contagious, it likely results in a more mild illness.
Thursday, December 23, 2021
PBS Eons - When Pterosaurs Walked
Where's the best place to find a sleeping dinosaur? In a fossil bed...
Comment
One aspect of the January 6th insurrection seems to be more clear. Here's how I believe this aspect of the story goes. At the center of the insurrection, Trump offered full immunity and pardons to the people who would overwhelm and take control of the Capitol on January 6th. That agreement, to offer these pardons, was based on the belief that Trump had, i.e. that he would prevail and retain power, nullifying the election. Trump believed he would remain president. Word of this pardon was disseminated to the rioters vis a vis Trump's inner circle out to heads of groups like the Proud Boys and the rest. Jim Jordan was more than likely part of the in-between mediators offering the pardons. Jordan likely spoke with Trump and likely spoke with people close to the Proud Boys etc. This all seems to indicate that a good deal of inter-supremacist group networking was taking place with Trump offering deals and promises while his inner circle disseminated the plans.
There's plenty of outstanding questions. For example, when did this all begin? Did it begin immediately after the election was called for Biden, or did it occur earlier in 2020 or perhaps even earlier. Were these co-ordinations and networking occurring all throughout Trump's term perhaps. Recall Trump's good people on both sides comment. What is clear beyond all of this is that the January 6th Committee must complete its work in advance of Election Day 2022, when the TrumpOP wins back control of the House thanks to the tacit approval of an electorate that is no longer tethered to anything that resembles factual information and is fully un-informed with the latest conspiracy theories.
Ancient
BBC: What did the ancient Romans eat? By Susan Van Allen
Grains, legumes, vegetables, eggs and cheeses were the base of the diet, with fruit and honey for sweetness.
Mask
They are now recommending the N95, KN95 and KF94.
NPR: With omicron, you need a mask that means business by Maria Godoy
Retort
NY Times: My Gay Retort to All the Grimness by Frank Bruni
There’s no guarantee that the arc of the past 75 years will continue to bend toward justice. And it’s a jagged arc. The past five years made that clear.
Secret
The world’s largest chemical maker, BASF, produces ingredients for America’s most popular products, from soaps to surface cleaners to dishwasher detergent. Emissions from their U.S. plants elevate cancer risks for an estimated 1.5 million people.
MSNBC - 45 ‘Deeply Unnerved’ As MAGA Loyalist Called By Riot Investigators
I'm sorry to say but I suspect 'unnerved' is the worst thing that will happen to Trump, the main instigator of the January 6th riot.
Quiz
NY Times: And Now … Your End-of-the-Year Quiz By Gail Collins
5. Pennsylvania Republican and Trump favorite Sean Parnell suspended his Senate campaign after …
My Guess Is Yes He Will
Almost a year after the insurrection, we have yet to see any clear indicators that such an investigation is underway, raising the alarming possibility that this administration may never bring charges against those ultimately responsible for the attack.
The Market On Thursday
Good morning. At 7:45 a.m. ET DOW futures are +106; the market is poised to open significantly higher.
CNN: The world could consume more oil in 2022 than ever before By Charles Riley
Wednesday, December 22, 2021
Comment
We know that there are many alarm bells ringing about the country's drift towards fascism.
Poking around the news today I saw four stories that offered a little short respite from the drift. The first is that Biden's approval numbers have gone up a tad. Second, Proud Boy January 6th rioter Matthew Greene has pleaded guilty to among other things, conspiracy. Now I'm wondering who this guy will rat out as the January 6th Committe continues to bark at the heels of the riot's essential designers and instigators, they're closing in. Third is GOP Rep. Rice now publicly saying he regrets voting against certifying the 2020 election. He's a little late of course, but the public announcement is curious especially at this juncture, it's unlikely he would do this if he didn't somehow feel safe about it, knowing full well most of these guys are terrified of the extremist right wing death threats. And finally, there's staunch MAGA nut Michael Flynn's lawsuit seeking to prevent the January 6th Committee from getting ahold of some of his salient records. That case was thrown out today close to 24 hours after it was originally filed. Poor Flynn, he seems destined for jail.
Poking around the news today I saw four stories that offered a little short respite from the drift. The first is that Biden's approval numbers have gone up a tad. Second, Proud Boy January 6th rioter Matthew Greene has pleaded guilty to among other things, conspiracy. Now I'm wondering who this guy will rat out as the January 6th Committe continues to bark at the heels of the riot's essential designers and instigators, they're closing in. Third is GOP Rep. Rice now publicly saying he regrets voting against certifying the 2020 election. He's a little late of course, but the public announcement is curious especially at this juncture, it's unlikely he would do this if he didn't somehow feel safe about it, knowing full well most of these guys are terrified of the extremist right wing death threats. And finally, there's staunch MAGA nut Michael Flynn's lawsuit seeking to prevent the January 6th Committee from getting ahold of some of his salient records. That case was thrown out today close to 24 hours after it was originally filed. Poor Flynn, he seems destined for jail.
Conspiracy
The conspiracy charge is especially telling. I can't recall a previous conspiracy charge although it may have occurred. Regardless, if this guy is cooperating, no telling who he rats out.
Fascism
Guardian UK: America is now in fascism’s legal phase by Jason Stanley
The contemporary American fascist movement is led by oligarchical interests for whom the public good is an impediment, such as those in the hydrocarbon business, as well as a social, political, and religious movement with roots in the Confederacy. As in all fascist movements, these forces have found a popular leader unconstrained by the rules of democracy, this time in the figure of Donald Trump.
Covid Etiquette
NY Times: Please Don’t Tell Me ‘It’s Not Covid’ While Coughing in My Face By Jenni Avins
This holiday season, the fear of missing out is particularly acute, and everyone’s eager to step out for a smidge of sparkle and cheer. But even if you’re reasonably sure your chest cold, stomach bug or swollen sinuses are not coronavirus-related, I’m going to ask that you step away from the mulled cider until you are healthy.
The Market On Wednesday
Good morning. At 5:40 a.m. ET DOW futures are -25; the market is poised to open moderately lower.
CNN: China's economic growth will slow sharply in 2022, World Bank says By Laura He
Tuesday, December 21, 2021
Hansel Emmanuel - One Armed Basketball Player
He's amazing and headed to a division one college on a basketball scholarship.
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