The MoA Week In Review – OT 2021-084

@Tom_Q_Collins #41 @Scotch #47
Indeed – the main point Taibbi makes is that it was fine, even celebrated to say “Fuck Trump” on television but it is terrorism to say “Let’s go Brandon”?
It is this and many other examples of double standards which further radicalize the anti-woke non-1%.
The hue and cry over Chappelle’s latest show is another.
A man who gave a transgender person the coveted opportunity to open for him – very possibly the greatest living comic – in a major city is homophobic/transphobic? Give me a fucking break.

Posted by: c1ue | Nov 1 2021 14:38 utc | 101

Perimetr@97, Thanks for your valuable comments.. Yes, my options are limited, have to maintain some amount of monthly income.. And I do like fresh air and working with my hands.. Your comments make me take a hard look at the possibilities of the time left in my working life.. Thanks a lot..

Posted by: R | Nov 1 2021 14:39 utc | 102

@Posted by: c1ue | Nov 1 2021 14:38 utc | 102
The narrative management is greatest when there are big issues that need to be hidden and/or new ideology to be normalized. Both are in play, but the elite woketivists don’t understand that the masses see through their lies and simply don’t trust them anymore. Biden’s approval rating is lower than low for a reason, problem is that the only other choice in the US is the Republicans (same economic exploitation and imperial mindset with a less woke orientation).
I see many people in the LGB community extremely pissed with the T+ community questioning the very things upon which they built their societal acceptance (e.g. that sexual preference is innate and not a social construct, and lesbians don’t want to have sex with “women” with male genitalia and Rock Hudson jaws). Seems to me that this one will burn out no matter how much the cultural elite push it. Also, an increasing number of detransitioners wanting to be heard.

Posted by: Roger | Nov 1 2021 14:49 utc | 103

@Posted by: c1ue | Nov 1 2021 14:31 utc | 100
“Roger #72 How very typical: when faced with adverse information or reactions, you retreat into complaints about abuse. …
Real science is about confronting uncomfortable facts – ones which can contradict your own beliefs.
Climate science today has more data than ever but is less able to produce measurable, accurate predictions than the Farmer’s Almanac. How is this not a sign that something is amiss?”
The first sentence is conscious misrepresentation, as I have never complained about being abused – I grew up in a hard working class environment and silly ignorant words will never get to me. It’s also an ad hominem personal attack. The first sentence is more a statement about yourself given the nature of our correspondence, and the inability of individuals such as yourself to actually engage in good faith with actual science on this matter and is why I no longer engage. The rest is the kind of out and out misrepresentation that I expect from anthropogenic climate science deniers.
I am happy to converse with you on other topics, where you have many good observations, but not on this one.

Posted by: Roger | Nov 1 2021 14:58 utc | 104

@98 R:
Here’s some more ideas to add to the wisdom others have offered:
a. Do your marketing research. Go to http://www.dice.com, and do some searches on “engineering” and see what job postings come up. What business problems are the potential customers (the hiring manager!) trying to solve, and what tools do they expect you to have mastered / use in order to solve those probs? If you’re not US based, find a jobs board in your area – probably several, and scan them. Also scan by tool/capability; how many jobs are posted for each type of tool/skillset? That tells you something.
b. Leverage your strengths. You’re an engineer, and you’re a teacher. That qualifies you – demonstrated leg-up – to do engineering type problems. Same for teaching; you can explain stuff clearly. Most coders can’t, don’t like it, will avoid it. That’s why so much existing code is impenetrable to “the next guy” when the role/responsibility gets handed over to the next hire.
c. View this exercise from the perspective of the hiring manager. What’s that person want in a new hire? Context knowledge (understand problem space) and demonstrated tool/skill mastery. Your weakness is tool/skill mastery, so you’re going to need to hammer that. How? a) pick a skill, and get certified in it. Plenty ways to do this. b) come up with a problem to solve using the tool, and solve it. Write the code, document the code, build a notebook containing the documented code, and that portfolio notebook must demonstrate conceptual and mechanical / tactical mastery. Remember: you’re the novice now, and you have to demonstrate the ability to come up learning curves fast, by yourself, and thoroughly.
d. Think about your entry position. Documenting someone else’s code body was my first assignment as a programmer, and I hammered it. Make a big splash, made myself extremely useful right off the bat. Why? I was the only guy that truly understood the whole system. People came to me for answers. Next I got responsibility for maintaining a low-cost-of-failure bit of code, so I could come up the learning curve w/o exposing the org to risk from my ignorance. I hammered that, too. Redesign, document, speed up, more reliable, more flexible…I made that code chunk one of the best in the company’s code-base. Off to the races from there. So, aim for a entry-level job that leverages your strengths, that your portfolio clearly demonstrates sufficient capacity to do, sell your communication skills (interpersonal, emotionally stable, reliable, calm…this stuff is attractive to experienced managers).
Hope that helps.
Tom

Posted by: Tom Pfotzer | Nov 1 2021 14:59 utc | 105

Tom_Q_Collins @ 37 <= There is a paywall. but i found the intro very interesting.. thank you If you get a chance (and there's not a paywall) I'd be very interested in your opinions on this latest piece by Yasha Levine re: The affirmative action empire that the Soviets were said to have been trying to create. https://yasha.substack.com/p/doing-some-reading-the-affirmative
vk @ 57
4) Levine mixes two completely different eras of the USSR: the 1920s (Lenin’s era) and the 1930s (Stalin’s era). By the 1930s, any hopes for revolution in the West were long gone, the nationalities question had a completely different form;
Very interesting I tend to agree with your analysis .. but your item 4 raises a connection ?
There were some 200 Bolsheviks that traveled from NYC to Moscow to join and take important places in the October, Bolshevik government. A fellow named Schiff had spent considerable sums on the Japan_Russian war, in 1905, and many of his $s track to the Bolshevik support, but your “hopes for revolution in the West” make me ask do you think the reason so many NYC supporters of the Bolshevik intended to cause a Bolshevik Revolution in America? In a class room discussing this point, that same idea came up..
—
Karlof1 @ 58 When talking about Russia as a ‘conservative power’ it is therefore necessary to draw a sharp distinction between state policy and the views of conservative philosophers.”
but I like what Nikolai Trubetskoi wrote, “the culture of every people must be different. (…) A universal human culture, identical for all peoples is impossible. (…)
The nation state is quite different from culture, religion, and the other soft power elements of society.. The nation state exist merely to exert authority of the governed masses. and impose use of force in order to enforce that authority. Its history portrays that its output has been abuse and its service to the world has been little more than turmoil, hate, and abuse of humanity. The power of the nation state derives from the collective forces which assemble as peaks at places along the power spectrum.. There are 256 peaks.
Karlof1 @ 60
China’s announced goal:
<=To build a community of shared future for mankind. Publicly announced #1 goal of the Outlaw US Empire: <=To attain full spectrum domination of the planet and its people. Hard power does not merge because it extracts and concentrates the bounty it collects from those it governs, before it turns the collected bounties into a powerful set of weapons suitable to serve the needs of the oligarch. When ever the nation state system allows or assist private persons to extract the wealth and resources of those governed the nation state governs the system will always be oligarchical. The post of vetinLA @ 63 says it all https://i.pinimg.com/originals/2d/1e/18/2d1e181886fce802189549769025aa18.jpg
Once again i say the nation state system is the global problem that needs to be resolved to the benefit of governed mankind, not maximized to the benefit of the monopoly powered Gurus. .. We don’t need to focus anywhere else. How to tame the shameless greed these Oligarch owned nation states and the leaders these oligarch have appointed to operate the 256 different nations. Operations have caused the world to lose much of its valuable humanity.
Looks like the Saudi-Israeli partner’s are angry at Lebanon for supporting the winning side in Yemen.. anyone know about this?

Posted by: snake | Nov 1 2021 15:00 utc | 106

Very important article. Recommend the read even if it’s not very good for the simple fact most readers here are not well-versed into the subject:
Land of Capital: The history of the United States as the history of capitalism.
On a side note: Marx had already noticed during his lifetime that the USA was the first “pure capitalist” nation. The Bolsheviks (everybody, from Trotsky to Bukharin – there was no point of dissidence here) also already knew in the 1920s the USA was much more dynamic than the European imperialist powers and that it was only a matter of time before it supplanted them. The British Empire was the most immediate existential threat to the USSR in the 1920s, but they already knew a monumental clash against the USA would happen in the far future. This clash indeed happened, in the form of the Cold War.
The USA indeed is the capitalist version of the USSR. Capitalism always was synonymous with being American, but this historical role of the USA gained very curious contours after the October Revolution. As the USSR rose to global prominence, the anti-communist elements of the Russian Empire, Asia, Europe and (much later) Latin America flocked to the USA Mainland as the epic struggle between socialism and capitalism gained in scale and sophistication. As a result, the USA became an ideological cauldron where all variations of Liberalism (i.e. the ideology of capitalism) met, clashed and mixed. The USA gradually but inexorably became the HQ of the “Capitalist International”, the mirror image and polar opposite of the Soviet Union and, therefore, socialism.
This “melting pot” would later degenerate and collapse with the crisis of 2008, creating the Postmodern society, marked by extreme political polarization, that we know today. None of this would have happened without the Soviet Union, which put immense (and existential) pressure on the capitalist system, forced it to gain form and shape and thus become a viable target.
–//–
LDP beats the odds at Japan’s election: Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s conservative party retains majority with fewer losses than anticipated
Sure, sure, “the odds”. Democracy (i.e. liberal democracy) is that mysterious, divine and pure system that works in mysterious ways, after all, there’s absolutely no fraud, voter suppression, economic-catastrophist blackmail, virulent and aggressive propaganda and behind-the-scenes chicanery…
–//–
The weak emperor:
Over 70% of Americans Think US Going Wrong Way, More Than Half Disapprove of Biden, Poll Shows
By now, the American leftists must already be praying to their Christian God Biden is their Nerva, not their Maximinus Thrax, because there’s literally nothing left to hold into.
–//–
Turned out it’s as bad as we thought:
Russia explains why there is no more diplomacy with NATO

“Every time, they demanded to convene the council to discuss Ukraine. Their whole interest was whipping up propaganda and putting pressure on Russia,” Lavrov argued. “We rely on facts, and the facts are that NATO does not want any co-operation with us.”

–//–
European gas price rises on reports of flow reversal via key Russian pipeline from Germany to Poland

The price of natural gas in Europe jumped by 11% on Monday morning after reports of Russian supplies via the Yamal-Europe pipeline reversing course from Germany over the weekend.
The gas ended up in Poland, which often buys reverse gas supplies from Germany in order to avoid the appearance of buying gas directly from Russia.

Russia helps China overcome energy crisis by boosting electricity exports
Those ideological Europeans. They lose their minds but not their snobbishness.
The Asians do, the Europeans complain. Memorize this, because you’ll use it often for the remaining of this century.
–//–
Would Russia or China Help Us if We Were Invaded by Space Aliens? by Thomas L. Friedman, for the NYT
Some aliens descend to Earth after using a propulsion system that transcends our imagination and you think they’ll give themselves the inconvenience of studying – let alone respecting – human geopolitical boundaries?
–//–
I Just Turned 60, but I Still Feel 22 by Margaret Renkl, for the NYT
That’s called being born rich, Margaret.

Posted by: vk | Nov 1 2021 15:12 utc | 107

@Posted by: Ursus | Nov 1 2021 10:20 utc | 89
I treat you as ignorant because you did not engage with the actual scientific data, as against throwing up some old bullshit and irrelevant articles from science editors who are paid to sell copy not facts (and an idiot politician!). That’s actual data, with the usual noise around a correlation line (with many science editors and politicians, as well as climate deniers, mistaking the noise for the signal). Your recent comment is beyond pathetic, reads like some little butt hurt schoolboy throwing insults.
P.S. I hate the little Swedish WEF tool, serving the elite who want to turn climate change into a massive profit-making activity for the fossil fuel and mining industries.

Posted by: Roger | Nov 1 2021 15:12 utc | 108

@99 C1ue:
You said:
My view is that we will not see major change until the economic and social repression is so severe that everyday people will revolt. And once a revolt occurs, no amount of calm, rational advice is going to matter.
No, it is not guaranteed that we will have a revolt..
But are they any [leaders like FDR, etc.] today of that stature [that can guide a society thru tuff times]? I can’t say I see any evidence of it, whatsoever.
Tom replies:
I agree that top-down change is highly unlikely, and when it happens, it’ll be at least as bad as it is now. So take “top-down” off the table, I say.
Now to bottom-up. Top-down has closed off nearly all bottom-up political change avenues, and will continue to do so, since it’s in their interest to perpetuate things as-is for them; for them, it’s all good except for the lower-level unhappiness, and that’s what repression tools (aplenty) are for, and that’s why they exist.
So what’s the move for the left-outs?
Most left-outs don’t have any moves. The _reason_ they’re left-out is because they’re not competent, or because they’re not aware of their alternatives. Ever it thus, this time’s not different.
There is a cohort – well-distributed, and certainly not coherent – of people that are competent, aware, and motivated to change their particular situation. There is, as yet, nobody holding a gun to anyone’s head _making_ them do stupid stuff that’s against their own interests.
Now, you and I, and others have been circling around this question of “what’s a better system”. You said “waste of time to ask the Q because the system ain’t gonna change”. Roger that.
What can change, tho, is the “system” at the micro-level. The household, the place where a person still has plenty of “agency”. So, when you say stuff like “small-scale production is a non-starter, can’t be efficient, therefore won’t and shouldn’t happen”….I commend you to re-think that posture.
There are plenty of reasons to expect the efficiency of “small” to change relative to “big”. Agency is at “small”, tools are accumulating @ “small” level that enable “small” to find, occupy, and defend market niches.
Much, much more to be said here, and no doubt, at first blush, you’ll call BS. Before you do, give this a think:
a. Labor is being factored out of production equation at warp-speed. Where’s labor’s role in future?
b. Meeting HH needs via HH production is moving into focus, and into realm of possible, also very fast. You’ll disagree here, likely, but let’s you and I and other-interested conduct the debate. My guess is that some perspectives – including my own – are going to change some.

Posted by: Tom Pfotzer | Nov 1 2021 15:13 utc | 109

@98 R:
I can only second the excellent advice the other commentators have already given you. As an ex IT hiring exec., I can say that the advice to build on your current experience and strengths is really important, no one’s going to give anyone older than their 20’s a chance to “start something new” and the competition in the straight-coding area is absolutely brutal (with much of it outsourced and abroad). As a teacher, you may also bring interpersonal skills (where maturity is a benefit not a negative) to the table and roles that are somewhat business/client facing stand a much better chance of not being sent to India for .20c on the dollar.
I also have a number of friends who decided to “make a change” or went back to college to upgrade and found when they got back they couldn’t re-enter at the same level, being inside an organization already is hugely different to standing on the outside. The minute you leave an organization it’s a bit like you died (the movie “About Schmidt” captures this so well).
I myself changed jobs, from IT to an unrelated area of academia, but not before I knew I could retire and support myself. I am realistic about the ageism in the academy (funny how there is no box for “age diversity” that I can tick on application forms?), so are doing this more for my own enjoyment than the relative pennies that it pays.

Posted by: Roger | Nov 1 2021 15:27 utc | 110

@VK 38
“HIV (AIDS) patients cannot take the COVID-19 vaccine, as they don’t have functioning immune systems anymore. But that’s true for all vaccines (including non-COVID-19 vaccines), not just the Sputnik V”.
I suggest you do a little more research, HIV patients were some of the first vaxxed in the US.

Posted by: Fractional Ownership | Nov 1 2021 15:52 utc | 111

Looks like the Saudi-Israeli partner’s are angry at Lebanon for supporting the winning side in Yemen.. anyone know about this?
Posted by: snake | Nov 1 2021 15:00 utc | 107
As with all things Saudi it is fogged in, but there is the Iranian tankers feeding Lebanon fuel through Hezbollah, a PR win for Iran, and a Lebanese politician criticized MbS’s war in Yemen, which also seems to be the USA, UAE, and Israel’s war in Yemen. So you can think of all of those as being behind this tantrum, and they particularly don’t like anybody criticizing the war on Yemen.

Posted by: Bemildred | Nov 1 2021 15:52 utc | 112

@v | Oct 31 2021 19:58 utc | 49

I don’t answer to assholes like you

Thank you, it was a satisfactory answer for everyone here.

Posted by: Norwegian | Nov 1 2021 15:57 utc | 113

The “Traffic Camera Mistakes Woman for Car”-article sheds some light at a recent trend in military development.
For a while now autonomous drones – in particular autonomous drone swarms – but also other “killer robots” have been hyped as the future of warfare. (In particular at RT and Sputnik.) The reality of AI is that even automatic targeting systems would be highly susceptible to decoys and dummy targets which they can`t relieable distinguish from real targets.
The complex battlefield environment with elaborate tactics like feints, mock retreats etc. is completely beyond any “artificial intelligence”. Fully automatic weapon systems are science fiction. It is possible to automize some basic functions (“fly straight level”, “launch a missile” etc.) but all really essential things (starting with target acquisition) has to be done by human remote control.
The rumors of China being at least a generation ahead in AI must be nuts, too. Artificial Intelligence is a dual-use technology. The Chinese already would have offered it to the British for sale if they had an image detection software that can distinguish heads from soccer balls or cars from women.

Posted by: m | Nov 1 2021 15:59 utc | 114

Peru & Bolivia
Peru’s president Pedro Castillo is in Bolivia signing a bilateral trade. It’s a big deal.
a few key points that underpin its importance and prospect for long term success.
Bolivia, Peru and Ecuador are majority indigenous, mostly Quecha speaking in Ecuador and Peru, Aymara speaking in southern Peru and Bolivia. I’ve been told the languages are like Italian and Spanish in terms of similarity to each other but I’m not sure. There is a strong bond among the indigenous majority that the euro elites do not share. Everyone knows it, including the Empire’s lackeys. The natives talk to each other but the elites don’t understand them. Bolivia has shown remarkable strength, courage and solidarity and continues consolidating power as they are removing fascists from positions of power in the military and putting many top leaders in prison while they build their infrastructure. Remember, Arce was the financial architect of Evo Morales’s successful decade of progress. They have a plan.
Bolivia is land locked. This new agreement will open Bolivia to the Pacific and beyond, an economic game changer. Here’s Arce:
“To think of Peru is to connect us to the Pacific Ocean, is to project and expand our trade through the port of Ilo, is to work together in communications. We are very hopeful in developing mechanisms to facilitate border transit and trade,”
Peru’s Castillo constantly appears to be on the ropes as the elites in Lima attack him, force his ministers to step down, tying up his agenda in the legislature along with military threats. However, he seems unphased, accepts their blows and threats and keeps on pursing the people’s agenda. amazing.
Bottom line, Peru is rising and using ancient familial ties and ways to forge a power block that is in line with BRI, China, Russia, Cuba, Venezuela, Nicaragua along with countries in transition such as Mexico and Argentina. The Empire has a plan– tear it down– but it appears the power has shifted.
https://www.telesurenglish.net/news/Bolivia-and-Peru-Sign-Deals-To-Boost-Bilateral-Relations-20211030-0003.html

Posted by: migueljose | Nov 1 2021 15:59 utc | 115

@ waynorinorway | Nov 1 2021 9:59 utc | 88… interesting post! i hope you post more often in between walks! thanks..
@ Oldhippie | Nov 1 2021 14:32 utc | 101 .. yes, i immediately thought of the song! here she is live – Peggy Lee — Is That All There Is? 1969 .. is bobby lewis a chicago musician? i happened to see jack dejohnette did a recording ‘made in chicago’ a few years ago.. he toured the band in europe.. it included many of the players from the AACM…. i have yet to hear it.. you might enjoy this if you haven’t heard it –
Stanton Moore – Conversations
thanks to those answering R’s question.. many thoughtful people at moa, who do or don’t post here.. it is positive to see so much support for others..

Posted by: james | Nov 1 2021 16:04 utc | 116

@R | Nov 1 2021 3:59 utc | 75

Will learning Python and becoming a developer be a good option? Age-wise, nearing 50.. Thank you..

The trick is to combine solid engineering domain understanding with software design/implementation experience. Just learning the basics of the currently trendy language will probably not get you very far.

Posted by: Norwegian | Nov 1 2021 16:08 utc | 117

@Posted by: m | Nov 1 2021 15:59 utc | 115
m wrote:
“The reality of AI is that even automatic targeting systems would be highly susceptible to decoys and dummy targets which they can`t relieable distinguish from real targets.”
I remember that during the US/Nato attack upon Yugoslavia
microwave ovens were used by the Serbs as cheap decoys,
simulating radar emitters. Eight million dollars in US weaponry
to take out a hundred dollar decoy. The war profiteers were
likely fine with that.

Posted by: librul | Nov 1 2021 16:16 utc | 118

@R | Nov 1 2021 3:59 utc | 75
A change that significant deserves the right amount of “homework”.
*Definitely* get with a career councilor … or two career councilors…
to start off on the right foot with your search.
You may need to pull up stakes and go to where the market is favorable
for whatever it is you finally decide upon to do.
—
“Measure twice, cut once”

Posted by: librul | Nov 1 2021 16:27 utc | 119

James @ 117
Bobby is originally Wisconsin, a Chicagoan for sixty years. One of the crew that is part of life in this city and not easy for us to imagine that on larger scene he is not that huge. Did lots of early work with Curtis Mayfield when both of them were young. Young Curtis was only working with the white guy because the white guy was good. Sinatra, Peggy Lee, thousands of recordings with everybody. I kinda got to know him when he did the Christmas party every year in the front house when we lived in the small apartment in Scott Herrick’s house. Core of the Christmas band was Bobby Lewis, Bobby Schiff, Lorin Binford. For a Chicagoan all three of those guys are much bigger players than De Johnette.

Posted by: Oldhippie | Nov 1 2021 16:28 utc | 120

@migueljose | Nov 1 2021 15:59 utc | 116

Bolivia, Peru and Ecuador are majority indigenous, mostly Quecha speaking in Ecuador and Peru, Aymara speaking in southern Peru and Bolivia. I’ve been told the languages are like Italian and Spanish in terms of similarity to each other but I’m not sure. There is a strong bond among the indigenous majority that the euro elites do not share. Everyone knows it, including the Empire’s lackeys.

My Peruvian friend of indigenous origin tells me that the peoples of Peru and Bolivia are the same. I’ve learned a lot from him regarding the megalithic sites in both countries. It is great to hear they are cooperating and opening Bolivia to the Pacific Ocean again.

Posted by: Norwegian | Nov 1 2021 16:29 utc | 121

@ waynorinorway | Nov 1 2021 9:59 utc | 88
Thanks!

Posted by: Norwegian | Nov 1 2021 16:31 utc | 122

James
This is when I wish for an edit function.
The only other singer I’ve heard who can credibly perform Is That All There Is would be a young Chicagoan named Petra Van Nuis. Of course she has worked a lot with Bobby. Her voice is on the thin side, you might not catch it on recordings. In performance she is compelling.

Posted by: Oldhippie | Nov 1 2021 16:33 utc | 123

I found this article to be very well written, explaining why the supply chain has broken down in the US
I’m A Twenty Year Truck Driver, I Will Tell You Why America’s “Shipping Crisis” Will Not End

Posted by: Norwegian | Nov 1 2021 16:36 utc | 124

Interview with Glenn Diesen:
Why Russia’s ‘Moderate Conservatism’ Might Play Key Role in Resolving West’s Ideological Standoff
Admire the effort, but Diesen is wrong. There’s no such a thing as a Conservative Deus ex Machina. Never was, never will be.
The myth that “conservatism” is an atemporal ideological force of stability, peace and prosperity in capitalism is actually fruit of a long propaganda operation that involved itself a long process of historical revisionism about what the history of capitalism really was. Put it in simpler words, it’s pure nonsense.
The matter of the fact is that the West is a close to a far-right dystopia as it is to a far-left dystopia. To claim the far-right is the force of conservation (i.e. a non-risk, even the salvation of capitalism as we know it) is akin to state the Confederates were the proverbial good guys in the War of Secession.
The problem with capitalism right now is economic, not ideological. Profit rates are historically low. No ideology can fix that.
Let’s remember that what saved capitalism after the 1929 crisis was WWII, not some kind of rebirth of Conservatism. The conservatives then were the Nazis, who wanted to turn back the clock to the golden age of colonialism of the 19th Century. The forces that lobbied for peace where the Bolsheviks (communists, socialists), ideologically the most radical. It was Conservatism – not Socialism – that caused WWII. Conservatism, even as a general idea, does not equal to peace or the absence of violence; indeed, most often it means the opposite of that.

Posted by: vk | Nov 1 2021 16:40 utc | 125

Picking up reports of solidarity amongst NYFD and NYPD. New York is being flushed down the drain. Remark above about brick wall at back of theater reinforced.
New York and Chicago are the only places firefighters go into burning buildings. The esprit de corps this builds is remarkable. There is zero possibility of just hiring replacements. Final test for a candidate Chicago firefighter is carrying a fellow fighter down the ladder from the third floor. Think about that a minute. Think about it from the perspective of the guy getting carried. The test happens in daylight and it will always be dry. Firefighters absolutely do just this in dark and rain and snow. No one does the job for the money. New York Commissioner says no problem, we are hiring. You think anyone will work for that guy again? He cannot show his face in a firehouse. New York is over. Show closed.

Posted by: Oldhippie | Nov 1 2021 17:00 utc | 126

@vk | Nov 1 2021 16:40 utc | 126
Thanks for the link to the interview with Glenn Diesen. Despite your theoretical objections, I find him to be one of the very few clear thinkers who is able to analyse and formulate clearly what is happening between Russia and ‘The West’. When reading the interview I find that what he says is providing insight.

Posted by: Norwegian | Nov 1 2021 17:04 utc | 127

Norwegian @ 125
Thank you for that link
The US is so bogged down in its own incompetancy it could not wipe its own ass without a team of bureaurats arguing about who deserves toilet paper.

Posted by: ld | Nov 1 2021 17:25 utc | 128

Khalilullah Toheedian, a university teacher prior to Taliban, is now working as a construction labourer for about $2.5 a day…. he is lucky cuz the bread that he can buy for his family is a delicacy for most ordinary Afghans.
https://www.facebook.com/Tajudensoroush2/photos/a.113121407306712/308051187813732/

Posted by: nme | Nov 1 2021 17:31 utc | 129

Oldhippie | Nov 1 2021 16:28 utc | 121 / 124 – thanks for the wider perspective! it seems like chicago has a really vibrant music scene and always has.. i know from reading that art hodes book how interesting it was in the past and that seems to have continued on in different ways and forms.. there is a trumpet player here in the town i live in who is from chicago and in his 70’s.. he was one of the original members of reo speedwagon when they first got going.. he is mostly into jazz now and has a beautiful sound and energy i would liken to louis armstrong who is definitely one of his main influences.. not a bad influence to have as a trumpet player!

Posted by: james | Nov 1 2021 17:57 utc | 130

I’ve linked to this publication by Diesen several times and do so again, Russian Conservatism: Managing Change under Permanent Revolution, where a free preview is available. The book can also be freely downloaded here. Here’s a related paper by Diesen provided by the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Norway. And I recall the existence of several other papers by Diesen related to the topic. In commentary here, I’ve compared the sort of Conservatism Putin appears to favor with that of early 20th Century politicians from the Republican Party who were known as Progressives. IMO, it’s entirely possible to be a Conservative favoring Collectivism, since being Conservative doesn’t automatically confirm one as a Reactionary or Revanchist, which in today’s Outlaw US Empire are known as Neocons and Neoliberalcons.

Posted by: karlof1 | Nov 1 2021 18:02 utc | 131

Posted by: nme | Nov 1 2021 17:31 utc | 130
(FaceBorg as a source for Yankee Taliban Truthiness?)
If an Afghan university teacher had to find other work, post-Taliban take-over, it’s because Yankee Meddling and $anction$ have made it impossible for the university to pay his salary.
Typical Yankee Right-wing Crank horse shit – blaming the Taliban for their own crimes.

Posted by: Hoarsewhisperer | Nov 1 2021 18:22 utc | 132

Lavrov’s Post-G20 Presser cites the existence of this declaration, which is where he directs those interested to look for answers to most of the questions posed. On the shutdown of communication with NATO, Lavrov was very blunt about the childish, condescending manner NATO repeatedly approached Russia, which he’s explained several different times. Lavrov interview with Rossia 24. The transcript is currently in Russian only. The first question is curious:
“Not so long ago, you said that Russia will not use rules based on ideology in its diplomatic practice in the international arena. How, on what examples can this be explained to a simple, unsophisticated person in politics?”
Lavrov’s answer is quite long; here is one paragraph, the third, of the six:
“The collective West, realizing that its arguments are becoming increasingly vulnerable, because its line is aimed at inhibiting the objective processes of forming a polycentric world in full accordance with the UN Charter, considers it more profitable for itself to take discussions on topical issues outside the framework of universal organizations, to negotiate in its circle, where no one argues with them. I am referring to the collective West itself, which also invites some ‘always obedient’ countries. They are needed for extras and create the appearance of a wider than purely ‘Western’ process. There are many such examples.”
Which is a roundabout manner of saying the “collective West” doesn’t abide by the UN Charter. The interview is about 45 minutes and is at the bottom of the linked page but there’re no subtitles, only Russian audio. The interview’s rather important IMO, so I’m going to post the machine translation at my VK Space.

Posted by: karlof1 | Nov 1 2021 18:36 utc | 133

re: Tom Pfotzer | Nov 1 2021 15:13 utc | 110
HH – is it here https://acronyms.thefreedictionary.com/HH ?

Posted by: tucenz | Nov 1 2021 19:01 utc | 134

Putin’s meeting with Defense Ministry leadership and defence industry heads includes a report by Shoigu on the military side of the pandemic, which ought to be compared to recent news items about mass discharges from the Outlaw US Empire’s military for refusing vaccinations. Otherwise, Putin outlines the agenda:
“Today, we will primarily consider a range of topics related to strengthening the Aerospace Forces, one of the most powerful, high-tech, and maneuverable branches of the modern Russian military. Russia’s reliable protection from an aerospace attack and maintaining strategic parity directly depend on their combat readiness and technical equipment.
“We are all well aware that some of our foreign colleagues have not abandoned their attempts to undermine this parity, including by deploying elements of their global missile defence systems in the immediate vicinity of our borders. We cannot fail to notice these threats to Russia’s security and we will respond appropriately and adequately to the situation.”
Force numbers are presented which are sure to interest more than barflies.

Posted by: karlof1 | Nov 1 2021 19:07 utc | 135

Blowback to Woke and other idiocy is happening at the grassroots level and not just in Virginia where this example is from. It’s becoming more imperative that people learn that what’s happening is a Top->down driven event aimed at furthering Elite Divide and Rule.

Posted by: karlof1 | Nov 1 2021 19:16 utc | 136

tucenz | Nov 1 2021 19:01 utc | 135
That got me too, but I think HH simply means “household.”

Posted by: jonku | Nov 1 2021 19:19 utc | 137

@Tom Pfotzer #110
I have never talked about a better system because there isn’t one.
Any and every system is going to be perverted and gamed by those who want more. In the Soviet Union, and to some extent China today, it is bureaucratic power. In the US, it is money. In Europe, it is a combination of social class and political party membership.
Because of this – it is a fallacy to expect any system to stand up over time.
The United States’ government was created to try and alleviate this problem through separation of powers; that mechanism has now been overcome through subsuming all 3 branches into the same demographic elite.
IMO – the only system that would work is a random rotation every 20 years: throw any half dozen systems into a pot and switch to one randomly each half generation. Long enough to make a difference, short enough to not be able to get enough corruption momentum to change.

Posted by: c1ue | Nov 1 2021 19:22 utc | 138

@ james – 131 and old hippie – It’s always fun to read your guys’ posts. I live in Los Angeles California, but I pay quite a bit of attention to the music coming out of Chicago. They have been cranking out a bunch of quite interesting new electronic music – Footwerk. It’s an offshoot of Juke / Ghettotech which comes from Chicago and Detroit. Rather abrasive and a punk rock version of electronic music.
Anyways, thought you might be interested. Techlife is a label that releases a lot of the stuff. RP Boo is good starting place for some exploration.
Happy Day of the Dead everyone!
Also, here is a link to a film I worked on. Ukraine, 30 Years of Independence.
Ukraine-30 years of independence

Posted by: lex talionis | Nov 1 2021 19:24 utc | 139

Norwegian @125
There’s nothing to worry about with the broken supply chain. The market will take care of it. Just watch. The market solves all problems.

Posted by: Chas | Nov 1 2021 19:27 utc | 140

karlof1 @ 134 your link requires one of three bowsers I don’t and wont use any of them.. for security reasons..

Posted by: snake | Nov 1 2021 19:30 utc | 141

@135 tucenz & jonku:
Yes, it’s “household”. Sorry guys.
🙂

Posted by: Tom Pfotzer | Nov 1 2021 19:32 utc | 142

@139 c1ue:
OK with all that, been so for a while.
That’s why I’m paying attention to enabling the “bottom” to beat-feet and move to a new situation.
What I want is to help equip some of the left-outs with the stuff nec to play the game. There are going to be more left-outs in the years to come, and esp. among the young. The young are going to get really pushed around.
Which is why I’ve identified local production as a worthwhile endeavor.
Local production can re-engage a lot of people and idled resources, and put a floor under household (HH) well-being as the societal support systems start creaking and failing.
I predict that it will become cool, maybe even compelling before too long, and significant attention will be paid to developing production processes and tools / tech aimed at the household-as-production center market…that market is small now, large by and by.
Why will the market for household-as-production-platform enabling technology grow? Because millions of people need it, and of the millions of people that need it, many thousands will be able to invent and market it.

Posted by: Tom Pfotzer | Nov 1 2021 19:45 utc | 143

@Chas | Nov 1 2021 19:27 utc | 141
I am watching our supply chain over here. What follows is an insignificant anecdote, but 3 months ago I ordered a new PC monitor identical to one I bought last year (then delivered within 2 days). The twin has been delayed 3 times so far and I guess now it will never arrive since the latest date slipped once more and the story just keeps repeating itself. No big deal, but that’s how the market ‘takes care of it’ here. Oh well, the 10 year old to-be-replaced monitor will have to work a bit longer.

Posted by: Norwegian | Nov 1 2021 19:48 utc | 144

@ lex talionis | Nov 1 2021 19:24 utc | 140.. thanks lex! share some links if you feel so inclined… i am always curious about other kinds of music i am less familiar with.. i have a busy day from here forward, but tomorrow is another day! cheers..

Posted by: james | Nov 1 2021 20:02 utc | 145

From this Global Times article it seems Australia’s pre-eminent scientific research organisation CSIRO which was recently instructed by the Australian Govt to stop further Southern Ocean Deep Sea research co-operation with China utter-nonsense-csiro was busted earlier this year laying monitoring equipment up nice and close to Chinese naval installations on behalf of their’s and other countries. NGO with overseas backing punished for deploying monitoring network covering East, South China Sea, with 22 sites close to Chinese navy

Posted by: Dim sim | Nov 1 2021 20:29 utc | 146

@ james – Thanks for the reply! Please check out the Ukraine film if you are so inclined. Let me know what you think. We did it in a month. Literally.
Here is a link to a documentary coming out about Chicago footwerk. It looks pretty good!
Footwork Saved My Life
Here’s a link to the Teklife Picthfork after party. RIP DJ Rashad.
Teklife

Posted by: lex talionis | Nov 1 2021 20:41 utc | 147

@Oldhippie | Oct 31 2021 15:56 utc | 9
Incredible. Thanks for digging that up and posting it here for all. Added to my cache of covid links.
The Ralph Baric circle of friends must be really proud of themselves for concocting this devil’s brew. I had posted on an earlier thread (*) about the dangers of the spike protein taking out ACE2 receptors and the resultant dysregulation of vital homeostatic processes, but this adds another layer to the subterfuge of the USAMRIID demon spawn.
(*) Unfortunately, b quickly scrubbed that post, even though my reasoning was fully backed by referenced credible scientific articles. He also scrubbed another post made shortly after, about Peganum Harmala, the Afghan national panacea (I know this for a fact since I once carried a kilo of seeds to an Afghan lady stuck in Iceland.) You see, the Taliban appear to not be fazed much by covid. Are they all vaxxed to the max or is there something else at play? i don’t know. The main principle of action in Peganum Harmala is the substance harmine. Do a search on “harmine” in combination with either “twist1”, “dyrk1a” or “nf-kb” and you’ll find a ton of interesting leads. Your doctor does not know about harmine because it cannot be patented.
Oh, and harmine is also the essence of an Amazonian brew called “ayahuasca”. Now there’s an unexpected tangent. Btw, don’t confuse the harmine with dimethyltryptamine (an endogenous trace amine that cameos as a schedule 1 drug.) The Amazon medicine men add the latter only for beginners, and doubly so for the gringo tourists who have no idea who they are and what they’re doing out there but will pay a handsome amount of dollars to be pulled through a kaleidoscope of vibrant colors that they did not even know existed.

Posted by: Lurk | Nov 1 2021 21:15 utc | 148

I should add to the resume of “harmine” that, according to the hadith, the Prophet of Islam recommended ingesting spoonfuls of Peganum Harmala seeds daily for a month in order to be cured of at least three dozen ailments. It makes me wonder if his use of the very same substance that is the backbone of an Amazonian spiritual brew had any influence on him being “inspired” with the message of Allah.
What I do know for sure is that the traditional red dye used to create the famous red carpets of the orient is also derived from Peganum Harmala (more recently often substituted by madder.). Now imagine sufi mystics floating in divine contemplation on a “flying carpet”.
This colorful history should not distract from the very serious research inrelation to harmine that I alluded to in the above posting. And there is much, much more. Try “harmine” and “diabetes” for example.

Posted by: Lurk | Nov 1 2021 21:30 utc | 149

snake @142–
You could click the link to the original Russian and machine translate it yourself.

Posted by: karlof1 | Nov 1 2021 22:08 utc | 150

Lurk @ 148
This would be a good place to mention something that has shown up at the FLCCC page. At the prophylaxis and early treatment page. An ivermectin substitute. A botanical. Nigella sativa. Also known as black cumin, black onion seed, kalongi, charnauska, black caraway. Sold as a spice and readily available for cheap. The FLCCC suggestion is 40 milligrams twice a day. I got some from Spice House and gave it a try. Familiar flavor, mild. Minor sinus drip dried up in hours. Could be placebo effect but I think not. This time of year my sinuses are always a major annoyance plus am working outside in the cold. This stuff is a tonic.
Looking at the plant and how the seeds grow the supply cannot be infinite, if billions wanted this it would run out. At present worth a try. Supposedly those who get over enthused, take grams a day, can get liver and kidney problems after months of overindulgence. Stick with 40milligrams and use weekly or if sick. Or cook with it. Used widely in Indian cuisine, used as a topping on flatbreads, Jewish rye, everything bagels. If it is snake oil at least it is tasty snake oil.
Watched a video of a young athlete, pro mountain biker, who got pericarditis from the vax. He is using the black seed oil version, says it helps. Lost the link but mentioning anyway. The active ingredient is thymoquinone. Not a lot on first search but yes it is related to evil proscribed malaria remedies.
I have played with substances in the range of ayahuasca. See the handle. Not in old age. Could it be those who use the harmine are just too happy to be getting sick?

Posted by: Oldhippie | Nov 1 2021 22:46 utc | 151

Oldhippie @152–
Piping Rock has black cumin seed in gel and liquid; the gel tabs are 1000mg @ $15.79 for 120. The liquid says 4600mg/teaspoon. Overkill it appears given FLCCC’s 80mg/day advisement. Seems 1/32 tsp would be proper for @3000 doses per 8oz vial.

Posted by: karlof1 | Nov 2 2021 0:01 utc | 152

@ lex talionis | Nov 1 2021 20:41 utc | 148.. lex! that footwork short documentary is amazing! awesome! thanks for sharing… i will check out the other links tomorrow.. thanks for sharing.. everyone ought to watch that one video you linked for sure… so fun and inspirational…

Posted by: james | Nov 2 2021 1:09 utc | 153

@152 Oldhippie
Thanks very much for that tip. I had seen it at FLCCC but thought it would be too exotic to mess with – imagine, Spice House ships flat packs for free, and now they’re on their way.
Apparently it’s delicious anyway, and would be perfect in the next bread I make.

Posted by: Grieved | Nov 2 2021 1:26 utc | 154

@150 Lurk
So glad to see your posts not getting scrubbed. Thanks for that information. Harmine appears to have enormous potential in modern medicine, and why not, since it has already been proven since ancient time? Many very interesting studies of Peganum harmala seeds extract.
The search for applications and consumables soon leads to Syrian Rue, and even to a syrianrue dot org, for those who love smoke or tea. This one will take a bit of researching around to get source and dosage ideas.
Many thanks again. Advice for better living, right here at MoA 🙂

Posted by: Grieved | Nov 2 2021 1:56 utc | 155

Below is a link to The Register that I encourage fellow barflies to read for obvious reasons…..its them or us
Google’s ‘Be Evil’ business transformation is complete: Time for the end game……I’ve read this stuff, says one dev. ‘Either Google is screwed, or society is screwed’

Posted by: psychohistorian | Nov 2 2021 2:31 utc | 156

@ 154 James – Thanks Dude! I am glad that you enjoyed the sizzle for the footwork documentary. I look forward to seeing it in full.
I know that you are a music head. We could be the deejays at the bar!
One of my favorite authors, Kees van der Pijl, has a new book out.
States of Emergency
Rock on Professor van der Pijl
Much love to the MoA crew

Posted by: lex talionis | Nov 2 2021 3:12 utc | 157

Tom Pfotzer@106, That was a very detailed write-up.. Thanks for your time and respect your generosity.. Will surely take advantage of your advice.. Thanks a million..
Roger@111, Thanks a lot for your views.. I see it is risky to quit without something lined up.. Btw, I live in India.. Thank you..
Norwegian@118, Thank you.. I have been studying the AI/ML domain for a couple of years.. Like Tom said, I should now combine the domain knowledge with the coding skills.. Thanks a lot..
librul@120, Thank you for that advice regarding career councilors.. Will look into it.. As usual, you’ve put it nicely..

Posted by: R | Nov 2 2021 4:03 utc | 158

@Oldhippie | Nov 1 2021 22:46 utc | 152
Thanks, another very interesting lead.

Posted by: Lurk | Nov 2 2021 5:44 utc | 159

Space travel driven by nuclear propulsion seem to be well researched in the leading nations and there have been one or two spectacular accidents on the way. This 20 minute video is well produced and takes a scan of the mathematics and science underpinning the search for the ultimate interplanetary propulsion system.
The USA has dramatically scaled back and Russia is pushing hard with its research effort from what I have read in other places.
Barflies might find this interesting given the transformations in space exploration in these times.

Posted by: uncle tungsten | Nov 2 2021 8:04 utc | 160

Posted by: john | Nov 2 2021 11:14 utc | 161

Lurk, Oldhippie, etc.
All of this talk about the pharmacological use of medicinal botanicals should remind us that any good Amazonian shaman, Chinese traditional healer, Persian mystic, etc., would have myriad therapies to mitigate this uncommon covid cold. What nobody is mentioning however is ubiquitous cannabis sativa, time-tested relaxant and anti-inflammatory agent, source for immunity boosting interferons, and general succour for anxiety management. So, a spliff or two a day to maintain those CBDs in the blood, to tame any wave of inflammation, to navigate those cytokine storms, to promote smooth sailing…
…and as a proscription for redundant, meaningless industry, i.e. tedious work, desultory routine, wasteful consumption, pernicious funk…there’s no other.
Posted by: john | Nov 2 2021 11:14 utc | 162
Yes, and safe as can be, too. Decades of freaking out over a mild herb with some nice medicinal properties. But too cheap for our modern wizards and too much fun for control freaks of all stripes.
Thousands of years people have been using it, nobody notices anything special about it. Then Anslinger comes along and sees mexicans and african-americans using it, and all of a sudden it’s a problem. A replacement for prohibition, so cops have some excuse to harass people. Dumb as a brick, and racist to boot.

Posted by: Bemildred | Nov 2 2021 11:26 utc | 162

E. J. Magnier has a new one up about Lebanon, the Gulfies, and Yemen:
here
Saudi Arabia, Bahrein, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates expelled the Lebanese ambassadors, gave them 48 hours to leave and recalled their respective ambassadors from Beirut. The pretext was an interview released by a recognised journalist, George Kordahi, a month before he was appointed to be the new information minister in Prime Minister Najib Mikati’s government. During the interview, Kordahi had said, “the Saudi war is useless, and Houthis are defending themselves against an external aggression where the Saudi-led coalition bombs homes, villages, funerals and weddings”. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)’s strong reaction could look nonsensical and flawed. However, the reason goes way beyond the issue of a journalist’s opinion: Saudi Arabia believes it must exert pressure on Iran’s ally in Lebanon because it was attempting to convince Tehran to stop the Ansar Allah Houthi advance towards the oil-rich and strategic city of Ma’rib in Yemen; an attempt which failed. Thus, the Saudis moved towards the Lebanese government to blame Hezbollah’s allies, Iran’s closest affiliates.

Posted by: Bemildred | Nov 2 2021 11:51 utc | 163

@Roger | Nov 1 2021 14:58 utc | 105

anthropogenic climate science deniers.

Here is a new adversary for you, Greta “You can shove your climate crisis up your a**e” Thunberg
https://twitter.com/petercassidy20/status/1455201968432029710

Posted by: Norwegian | Nov 2 2021 11:59 utc | 164

What’s wrong about Greta? that a guy near her wears a Palestinian scarf?

Posted by: Tom2 | Nov 2 2021 15:11 utc | 165

Karlof @ 153
I have no idea how much thymoquinone is contained in the processed oil. Or what other factors we should be conscious of. Tried to find out, no luck yet. In meantime I am chewing a pinch of seed weekly. Many sources say 1 gram daily will, in time, cause problems. My pinch is not weighed, might be 20 milligrams, is not over 100. I think it has positive effect. That is anecdote. The cost, depending on how accurate my pinch is, is under a penny a week. I like the taste. The cook in the house is moderately interested.

Posted by: oldhippie | Nov 2 2021 15:23 utc | 166

Iran turns Ted Cruz tweet into evidence of Rogueness:
“The Iranian Foreign Ministry’s spokesman has called on US President Joe Biden to convince the world that his signature actually means something, in response to a tweet by Senator Ted Cruz about his Iran nuclear deal pledge.
“On Monday evening, Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh claimed that ‘regimes in Washington are rogue,’ following a claim by Republican Senator Ted Cruz that the Biden administration could not get an Iran nuclear deal ratified by the Senate.
“‘Onus is on @POTUS [President of the United States] to convince int’l community—incl all JCPOA participants—that his signature means something,’ Khatibzadeh wrote, adding that ‘objective guarantees’ would be needed to prove his commitment….
“‘Nope. Joe Biden has ZERO constitutional authority to make that commitment,’ Cruz tweeted, adding that a deal would need to be ratified by the Senate and Biden knows that won’t happen. ‘It is a 100% certainty that any future Republican president will tear it up,’ the senator concluded.”
The same could be said of the Outlaw US Empire’s attitude toward action on the Climate Crisis, which is pointed out in this article. At the end of the G-20, Biden lied when he accused China, Russia, and Saudi Arabia on not doing enough about the Climate Crisis. However, many saw the attack as a way of defending the lack of action by the Outlaw US Empire, particularly when it comes to technology transfer to developing nations in need of such help. All talk but no action is what many critics are saying about both Biden and the Outlaw US Empire’s “performance” since Kyoto. Given the inability to fix its critical supply chain FUBAR, the world shouldn’t place very much reliance on the Empire to do anything positive in the world.

Posted by: karlof1 | Nov 2 2021 15:30 utc | 167

Dementia patients find purpose through work in Japan
How generous on the Japanese government’s part. It’s not like they have a chronically negative birth rate and a shortage of labor power or anything like that, not at all…

Posted by: vk | Nov 2 2021 15:31 utc | 168

United Russia member [State Duma deputy Yevgeny Marchenko] who voted against budget expelled from party
Fanatics! Totalitarians!

Posted by: vk | Nov 2 2021 15:38 utc | 169

oldhippie @167–
Thanks for your reply! I intend to order the 8oz vial and add it to my regime. I’m curious how it interacts with coffee as I think one drop daily would be an appropriate dose. I’m in the process of changing PCPs, with my new one being on record as saying why use the current crop of vaccines for “last year’s virus.” So, I’m hopeful for getting some further info from that source in a few weeks. I’ll share whatever I discover after my interview/appt with her.

Posted by: karlof1 | Nov 2 2021 15:44 utc | 170

Karl and others, a “heads up” regarding the Black Cumin Seed Oil as adjunct or alternate for Ivermectin per FLCCC. You said:
“Overkill it appears given FLCCC’s 80mg/day advisement. Seems 1/32 tsp would be proper for @3000 doses per 8oz vial.”
Perhaps you skimmed the info. and missed the Salient point: the recommendation was for 40mg/Kg Twice a day OR 80mg/KG…
For 180lb person ~ 82KG 40×82=3280mg dose twice a day…
At FLCCC the protocol pages have two different statements. Page one (Prevention) says 40mg/Kg daily, Page two (Early Treratment) says 80mg/KG daily…
(3)1000mg softgels for Prevention (6)1000mg softgels for Early Treatment…
Hope that is useful

Posted by: Doesitreallymatter | Nov 2 2021 16:47 utc | 171

Doesitreallymatter @172–
Thanks for that FYI as I clearly missed it. So it appears the 1000mg gel tab would be somewhat over a RDA amount for a person my size, but not by an extreme amount. I wondered why there was such a seeming disconnect between what was being suggested and provided. Thanks again!

Posted by: karlof1 | Nov 2 2021 17:43 utc | 172

Today’s Global Times editorial:
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202111/1237955.shtml
Yes indeed, China decides war or peace across the Taiwan Straits.

Posted by: Oriental Voice | Nov 2 2021 18:21 utc | 173

@Tom Pfotzer #144
We already have “local” production: organic foods and artisan products. The customers are rich people. And the successful are those that can infiltrate those circles to sell their products.
Local production in the circular economy sense – as opposed to the above parasitic sense – it would be nice, but again far from clear that the economics work out. Let’s not forget the US was far closer to a “local production” economy in living memory – why did it disappear so rapidly if it is, in fact, better?
I’m not saying you shouldn’t try it or that the attempt is not worthy, but I am saying that going in with invalid and idealogy-based beliefs greatly increases the already stacked deck against you.

Posted by: c1ue | Nov 2 2021 18:34 utc | 174

The wicked west (code word for Samuel) wants Chinese to kill Chinese, Chinese to destroy Chinese societies and infrastructures, Chinese to initiate the splintering of the Chinese nation. They egg on some Chinese to plunge into war with mainland China, starting in Taiwan, Hong Kong, Tibet, Xinjiang, etc. They drop hints of coming to these traitors’ aids–what aids? Supplying arms at exorbitant prices, I guess. But the traitors thought the wicked west will die on their behalf, LOL!
But we understand that. We also know there are many other nations and ethnicities that feel the same way, to name a few–most of EU, all of 5-eyes, half of Slavs, all of the Vikings, all of Japs and Viets, blah, blah blah–, and they cooperate with the wicked west’s plot and drive Chinese towards war against each other. They haven’t succeeded yet, because China DECIDES war OR peace between Chinese.
The Chinese across the Taiwan Straits is becoming less and less Chinese. They are becoming Chinese in looks only, just as the Japs and Viets and Koreans are. Therefore, China’s decision for war instead of peace is becoming more and more likely. This is simple rationalization. This is fact of life of the human race.

Posted by: Oriental Voice | Nov 2 2021 18:40 utc | 175

Hitler had this well known conception of a Final Solution regarding the Jews. I believe the West share this same concept regarding Chinese. The way the West drive Chinese to destroy Hong Kong, Chinese in Taiwan to irritate China to the point of war, it’s clear they want a final solution in which enough of the Chinese nation is debilitated to the point of no return. It’s the West’s wettest dream.

Posted by: Oriental Voice | Nov 2 2021 18:46 utc | 176

I’m posting these last three posts because when I read the GT editorial, I sensed that China’s decision is drawing near. It’s a saddening notion!

Posted by: Oriental Voice | Nov 2 2021 18:48 utc | 177

Apparently some people think Elon Musk shares the same concern as me:
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202111/1237903.shtml

Posted by: Oriental Voice | Nov 2 2021 18:54 utc | 178

Peru
Right wing elites in Lima are preparing to oust Pedro Castillo. They might succeed, they might fail but they are working hard on pushing him out. Castillo, so far, has proven to be a much more difficult adversary than they thought– most media pundits ridiculed him as a country bumpkin who would not last a month. The big question no one is talking about is how the people are reacting and how will they react if the elites succeed. My guess is that there has been a shift in favor of Castillo and the left in general as he has pushed hard to begin projects which are in line with BRI, sovereignty, public sector programs that are focused on helping the masses. So, even if the fascists succeed I think there will be a massive public outcry and possible mobilization since Peruvians have already shown that they have the spine to get out in the streets.
bottom line… Peru is rising, like Bolivia. Hard times ahead but I think they’re ready.
“Peru’s right-wing is making headway in its strategy of blocking and putting and end to the government of President Pedro Castillo. The Peruvian Parliament recently passed a law which would limit his abilities and make it possible to vote for his removal on the grounds of “moral incapacity.” These actions are clearly aimed at carrying out a parliamentary coup.”
https://orinocotribune.com/perus-right-wing-leads-parliamentary-coup-against-pedro-castillo/

Posted by: migueljose | Nov 2 2021 19:39 utc | 179

The English transcript of Lavrov’s Rossiya 24 interview is now complete and available at the link for those who’ve yet to read it. The first Q&A is very important as is the follow-up Q&A, so barflies should read at least that much.

Posted by: karlof1 | Nov 2 2021 20:57 utc | 180

Will this be swept under the table?
‘Falsified Data’: Pfizer Vaccine Trial Had Major Flaws, Whistleblower Tells Peer-Reviewed Journal

Posted by: librul | Nov 2 2021 22:03 utc | 181

…sort of…here is the missing link:
https://www.zerohedge.com/covid-19/falsified-data-pfizer-vaccine-trial-had-major-flaws-whistleblower-tells-peer-reviewed

Posted by: librul | Nov 2 2021 22:04 utc | 182

Biden utters another BigLie saying China didn’t attend either G-20 or COP26. Xi gave two video speeches at the G-20 and its Declaration is signed by China, while the Chinese delegation at COP26 has 50 or so people and was also addressed by Xi. That’s a lot of lying over the past several days about trivial stuff that can easily be verified. BigLie Media won’t–but Global media will and Biden will lose even more credibility than he has already.

Posted by: karlof1 | Nov 3 2021 0:20 utc | 183

test

Posted by: denk | Nov 3 2021 2:23 utc | 184

The day USN bullied a lighthouse…
Americans: This is the Captain of a US Navy ship. I say again, divert YOUR course.
Canadians: No. I say again, you divert YOUR course.
Americans: This is the aircraft carrier USS Lincoln, the second largest ship in the United States’ Atlantic fleet. We are accompanied by three destroyers, three cruisers and numerous support vessels. I demand that YOU change your course 15 degrees north, that’s one five degrees north, or countermeasures will be undertaken to ensure the safety of this ship.
Canadians: This is a lighthouse. Your call.

Posted by: denk | Nov 3 2021 2:25 utc | 185

A US Congress committee writes to the Director of NIH for the 4th time regarding oversight of NIAID’s grant R01AI110964 spend through Fausti by Daszak and Shi in Wuhan; https://republicans-energycommerce.house.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/2021.10.27-Letter-to-NIH.pdf

Posted by: Antonym | Nov 3 2021 4:46 utc | 186

Below is the Xinhuanet posting about the submarine incident
”
BEIJING, Nov. 2 (Xinhua) — China on Tuesday urged the United States to explain in detail an incident involving the U.S. Navy nuclear submarine USS Connecticut in the South China Sea, and fully respond to the concerns and doubts of countries in the region.
A new investigation report released by the U.S. Navy said the submarine had crashed into an unknown seamount in the South China Sea last month.
“We have repeatedly expressed our grave concern over the incident and asked the U.S. side to take a responsible attitude and provide a detailed clarification so as to give a satisfactory account to the international community and countries in the region,” Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin said in response to the report.
“What we see is that it took nearly a week for the United States to issue the vague statement that the nuclear submarine hit an unknown object. Nearly a month after the incident, it said it had hit an unknown seamount,” he added.
The U.S. side has also deliberately referred to the site of the incident in a vague manner, saying it occurred in the so-called waters of the Indo-Pacific region, Wang said.
He said the U.S. side has not clearly clarified the intended navigation of the nuclear submarine, whether the specific location of the incident was in an exclusive economic zone or territorial sea of any other country, or whether the incident has caused nuclear leakage or damaged the marine environment.
“This fully exposes the opacity and irresponsibility of the U.S. side,” he said. “Once again, we urge the U.S. side to explain the incident in detail and fully respond to the concerns and doubts of countries in the region.”
Wang said the key is to stop sending military vessels and aircraft to the South China Sea to make provocations, stir up troubles and flex muscles, and to cease acts that harm other countries’ sovereignty and security. “Otherwise, I am afraid there will be no fewer such accidents, but more.”
”
I think Wang’s statement at the end about their being more of this type of incident if the intrusions don’t stop is quite clear but will it be heard?

Posted by: psychohistorian | Nov 3 2021 5:28 utc | 187

@psychohistorian #188
You mean China is now placing random seamounts to deter American subs? grin

Posted by: c1ue | Nov 3 2021 13:43 utc | 188

c1ue @189–
Actually, that’s an interesting idea and wouldn’t be too expensive to do, akin to sowing dragon’s teeth to deter tanks. Underwater, these could be 10-20 meters in height or even taller, but ought to be “visible” to active sonar.

Posted by: karlof1 | Nov 3 2021 15:52 utc | 189

karlof1 @190
If these marine dragon’s teeth are produced in a port somewhere they could be made hollow and towed to where they are to be installed and just sunk there by opening valves to let the air out. Cheap and easy to both make and install.

Posted by: William Gruff | Nov 3 2021 16:22 utc | 190

@denk | Nov 3 2021 2:25 utc | 186
It was the Irish
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ajq8eag4Mvc

Posted by: Norwegian | Nov 3 2021 16:31 utc | 191

@karlof1 #190 & @Gruffster #191
I was being sarcastic because real world subs don’t hover feet above sea floor.
A sub hitting a sea mount is the equivalent of a 747 hitting a building: either gross incompetence or a deliberate act.
Secondly, these subs are made of titanium and mass 7000 tons or more. It would be like a parking meter getting hit by an Abrams tank – to wit – would barely be noticed.

Posted by: c1ue | Nov 3 2021 16:39 utc | 192

Here is an article talking about cell phone forensics as practiced by the FBI:
Vice article on FBI cell phone forensics
I have stated many times just how easy it is to track and spy on people via their cell phones, smart or otherwise.

Posted by: c1ue | Nov 3 2021 16:45 utc | 193

@ c1ue | Nov 3 2021 16:39 utc | 193 who wrote
”
Secondly, these subs are made of titanium and mass 7000 tons or more. It would be like a parking meter getting hit by an Abrams tank – to wit – would barely be noticed.
”
I was told the sub is having to go to Guam for repairs…..quite the parking meter…grin

Posted by: psychohistorian | Nov 3 2021 16:45 utc | 194

The outrageous case of the rogue US government kidnaping diplomat Alex Saab:
https://popularresistance.org/alex-saab-case-mapping-the-us-main-violations-of-international-law/
Is Saab the other Assange?

Posted by: Paul | Nov 3 2021 16:47 utc | 195

William Gruff @191 & c1ue @ 193–
Yes, I’m well versed on submarine tactics; the seafloor’s usually a place to seek refuge.
However, such a network of teeth could be deployed to serve the same purpose as their terrestrial kin, particularly in the shallow continental shelf areas that are quite extensive within that entire region. They could also be equipped with sensors. Much of course depends on how the op-forces subs are being employed and whether open war is the case.
Of course, the question begged is if such subs aren’t supposed to operate that close to the sea floor, then why was that sub operating in such a mode.

Posted by: karlof1 | Nov 3 2021 17:05 utc | 196

Re subs:
All mariners need to be aware of large FAD’s [Fish Aggregating Devices]. These large steel cylinders, anchored to the seabed, can sink a yacht particularly a Tupperware boat. Probably not a big danger to a sub. They could be sensors near the entrance to channels.
I remember reading this in ‘Noonsite’ the world cruising guide:
“Recently sailed from Surigao to Palau. Tidal currents are very strong but if you’re traveling with the flow it’s just a fast trip through the islands. After winding through the entrance reefs (the channel is quite narrow, suggest you do it with the sun high), we overnighted in Dapa, a very pleasant small town with a lovely anchorage just West of the ferry wharf.
The main reason I’m writing is to warn of a danger we encountered several times between the Philippines and Palau. Five times we passed quite close to FAD’s, floating cylinders (they looked like steel), about 3m long, anchored to the sea bed. They are not flagged or lit, we passed a couple at night, fortunately, it was a full moon so we could see them.
On a dark night, they would be impossible to see. If they are, in fact, steel, they present a very real threat to small vessels. We saw five close-by on the lay line between Dapa and Palau. We also had a close pass from a Chinese bulk carrier which did not respond to VHF or HF calls. Of course, Palau is beautiful”.
Norm van’t Hoff
‘Jumpa Lagi’

Posted by: Paul | Nov 3 2021 17:58 utc | 197

Let’s do the math… a hollow steel reinforced concrete cube twenty meters on a side would, for argument’s sake, encompass 8000 cubic meters of water. Water weighs in at a ton per cubic meter so if we just look at the mass of water in our marine dragon’s tooth we would be talking about 8000 tons, not including the mass of the concrete itself. I think there would be enough inertia in that tooth to get a submarine’s attention.
Of course, salting these marine dragon’s teeth all over the place would be silly. Placing them in channels, on the other hand, would make it difficult for submarines to sneak through.

Posted by: William Gruff | Nov 3 2021 18:10 utc | 198

Here’s a very curious item, “The Controlled Demolition of the EU: To Avoid It, Berlin Looked South When It Bet on Draghi (but Had to Look Northeast As Well),” which centers on the situation in Italy, France and Germany. EU located barflies will likely have a better understanding of the dynamic the author’s describing. IMO, this lends greater weight to Crooke’s recent assertions that the EU’s in a perilous condition that’s not being discussed.

Posted by: karlof1 | Nov 3 2021 22:59 utc | 199

@psychohistorian #195
I was referring to the artificial seamounts.
Real seamounts are mountains underwater – sea mountain.
Something that is 1000 to 4000 meters high has far more mass than the sub – but nothing man-made and towed is going to be anywhere close to that.
Nor am I particularly convinced that it is anywhere costworthy to drop Sears towers in multiple locations underwater.

Posted by: c1ue | Nov 4 2021 0:39 utc | 200

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