"You Didn't Even Post. So What Did You Do Today?"
I have had no idea what serious issue to post about today.
But this:
When I say that running MoA is a full time job it raises doubts and I may even get laughed at. But it is. Even when I don't post.
I have to read, every day, a large number of pieces and/or watch videos to collect new ideas. It takes time to process those into conscious contexts and then those into blog posts.
Today, like every day, I have of course skimmed over of the usual mainstream stuff, NYT and WaPo nonsense, but found little in it to take note of.
I then skimmed through the comments at this blog and cleared up the spam list.
Then I walked through what my various news feeds provide. It is often quite a lot.
Here is what I consumed (read or watched) today and found worthy enough to copy URL, headline and some excerpts.
Middle East:
- The World’s Gyre - SCF
Biden may see himself needing some ‘grand victory’, as much as does Netanyahu, Alastair Crooke writes. - Alastair Crooke: Regional Armageddon in Middle East (video) (30min) - Judge Napolitano
- U.S. strikes on militias, some backed by Iran, rile key ally in Iraq - Washington Post
- Israel Weaponizes Sympathy And Victimhood - Caitlin Johnstone
Ukraine-Russia:
- Ukraine May Have Deployed One Its Best Brigades To Try To Save Avdiivka - Forbes
- BAD ASSUMPTIONS, BAD RESULTS (BY HELMHOLTZ SMITH) - Sonar21
- Planning for the Aftermath (looong) - RAND
Assessing Options for U.S. Strategy Toward Russia After the Ukraine War - Erich Vad im Interview: „Über das Schicksal der Ukraine wird in Washington und Moskau entschieden“ - Berliner Zeitung
- GALICIAN NATIONALISM: UKRAINE’S DISASTER: PART ONE - M Bastal
- In Memory of Gonzalo Lira- Galician Nationalism: Ukraine's Disaster: Part 2 - M Bastal
- Former CIA Analyst Issues Warning to Zelensky - Newsweek
- Zaluzhny firing not even a band-aid as Ukraine strategy bleeds out - Responsible Statecraft
- Zelensky names Ukraine’s new army chief after removing Zaluzhny (archived) - London Times
- Jacques Baud n’aurait-il pas plutôt annoncé et répété très tôt une vérité que personne ne voulait entendre à l’ouest? (video 1h30m) (In French: I used CC and autotranslate to make sure I get it.)
- Zelensky enacts strategy for de-occupation and reintegration of Crimea (Mar 2021) - Ukrinform
- The Republican Plot Against Donald Trump - American Conservative
The inside story of how Congress is pursuing endless war in Ukraine—and trying to stop a Trump election.
China:
- China will not fall into ‘trap’ of war in Taiwan Strait: former envoy Cui Tiankai - SCMP
- The Red Sea Crisis Proves China Was Ahead of the Curve - Foreign Policy
The Belt and Road Initiative wasn’t a sinister plot. It was a blueprint for what every nation needs in an age of uncertainty and disruption.
Other stuff:
- Glaring irregularities - Editorial - DAWN
- The Hole In Boeing’s Inspection Program - Lever News
- Sam Altman's chip ambitions may be loonier than feared - The Register
That is all I did for the day. It feels like a lot. And that was without writing a real piece for the blog.
Oh, not to forget - I also bought food and prepared a meal for myself.
Later today I will read the Strana.news summary of the day (usually out at 18:00 UTC). At 20:30 UTC I will listen to Dima's Military Summary (well, at least to the first 10 minutes of it).
Then it will finally be the end of my day.
So what did you do today?
Posted by b on February 12, 2024 at 17:46 UTC | Permalink
next page »Can you not ignore people who say you don't do anything?
The majority of people are aware that the research takes time, writing can be laborious than you need to edit/check before publishing.
The higher the quality of analysis, the more work that is required.
Posted by: Jl555 | Feb 12 2024 17:54 utc | 2
Rest can be a time of extra creativity, even if the fruits don’t come to consciousness till later.
Interesting to learn about your daily rounds.
I worked on my book about healthy and unhealthy human cultures. I plan to be in editing phase by the end of the month and have it published by end-August. I expect much of it will resonate with people in this forum
Posted by: Hickory | Feb 12 2024 17:56 utc | 3
Fully backed by the Blinken guarantee of genuine honesty.
https://www.state.gov/marking-losar-the-tibetan-new-year-3/
I extend my warmest wishes to all those celebrating Losar, the Tibetan New Year. On this first day of the Year of the Wood Dragon, we celebrate the strength and perseverance of the Tibetan community around the globe. Here in the United States, tens of thousands of Tibetan-Americans are integral to the preservation of Tibetans’ distinct cultural, linguistic, and religious heritage.I wish Tibetans celebrating all across the world peace and prosperity in the new year. Losar Tashi Delek and Happy New Year!
Posted by: Peter AU1 | Feb 12 2024 17:58 utc | 4
It is amazing how much you must read through. And it must be hard for your mind to digest all that BS. Thank you for doing this to us so all we have to do is read your well thought analyse.
Great job. Thank you.
I hope you at least can enjoy your meal in relaxed mind.
Wish you all the best
Posted by: Medved | Feb 12 2024 17:59 utc | 5
expect much of it will resonate with people in this forum
Let us know. I am interested.
Posted by: rtogo | Feb 12 2024 18:00 utc | 7
Keeping going, b.
MoA is one of the original go-to sites. It’s not only what you post, but the comment section is top rate also.
Posted by: Moses22 | Feb 12 2024 18:01 utc | 8
Whiners are going to whine...ignore them, you're doing a great job...
Posted by: pyrrhus | Feb 12 2024 18:02 utc | 9
B, thanks for all you do! Anyone with a brainwave recognizes the immense amount of work you put into this site, it’s hard to know how you can accomplish so much every day, all year round. You are greatly appreciated!
Posted by: Hawaii Chris | Feb 12 2024 18:02 utc | 10
> I have to read, every day, a large number of pieces
All the newspropaganda is so hopelessly banal. It is corrosive.
Remain kind and don't let the harpies spoil your day.
Posted by: too scents | Feb 12 2024 18:04 utc | 11
Thanks for all that you do b. It is all appreciated. May you be healthy and wealthy enough to continue as long as possible.
My apologies for having to make you work harder, when I post to the wrong thread or OT, and cause you to do more work, deleting it.
As always, long walks, improve health and outlook.
Posted by: Sakineh Bagoom | Feb 12 2024 18:05 utc | 12
Thanks for all you do B.
I would say that you are a better journalist than 70% of the independent media out there and nearly 100% of the MSM talking heads. Opinion pieces are great but so few have the knowledge, resources and details you provide. MoA is also great due to the posting ability and voices from around the world to fill in blanks others may have.
Posted by: hedlykarok | Feb 12 2024 18:06 utc | 13
The commentary is well worth the daily visit to this site. Even the trolls who have nothing better to do than post their nonsense, an then the backlash. Quite the mixture of serious comments and some comic relief to boot 😺
Posted by: Bjmaclac | Feb 12 2024 18:08 utc | 14
Dear b,
I’ll join the chorus to sing our appreciation for you and your work.
I think you should take at least one day a week off, that is a day where you don’t post and you can read whatever you like, preferably something off the normal topics of your site. Everyone, including many barflies 😙, could use a day of rest.
Be well and keep up the good work.
Posted by: KMRIA | Feb 12 2024 18:13 utc | 15
Merely following but a slice of the world's major events to keep myself informed takes a few hours of my day, which achieves barely more than a superficial understanding.
Those who compile all that data to have something productive to say and in turn create data for somebody else to compile is like a nesting doll of information I find incredibly valuable. That's the worth of this particular place to me and I appreciate anyone putting in time and effort to keep these discussions true and informative.
Posted by: boneless | Feb 12 2024 18:16 utc | 16
It's a marathon, not a sprint. You have to pace yourself.
Posted by: Mountain_Stream | Feb 12 2024 18:18 utc | 17
on the radio today live from london classic fm played the theme from the dam busters the theme from the movie the battle of britain the violin refrain from the real life documentary actuality movie schindlers list 2 times already.
also the theme from laurence of arabia (bp,shell rothschild oil) and the theme from doctor zhivago (wall street and the bolshevik revolutions)
so exciting so romantic no message from classic fm khazharian owners globalhomo.
The Department of Defense's most expensive weapon system—the F-35 aircraft—is now more than a decade behind schedule and $183 billion over original cost estimates.
Taxpayers will pay $1.7 trillion for the F-35 program
tonight the heroic west and its tel aviv agents in lockstep use trillion dollar f35 to bomb tents what a shoah
never again never again never again
Posted by: todd | Feb 12 2024 18:24 utc | 18
(From this continent, I’d say to post on that eight tonnes of cocaine seized in Spain. Someone will freak out over that.)
b, no one can match your prolific output, not even posters like karlof1! I echo comments above advising you to ignore those who question your use of your time. And - you bravely post on highly censored topics, and do it delicately enough to avoid having the blog shut down or disabled somehow. Please keep going, your diligence and hard work is appreciated and respected.
Posted by: Bruised Northerner | Feb 12 2024 18:24 utc | 19
Bernard.
When you are ready!
It's worth the wait.
Because the content is always great!
Posted by: jpc | Feb 12 2024 18:26 utc | 20
Read MOA! Thanks again! You've been hitting it out the park the past several weeks...one can keep hitting homeruns only for so long. Really appreciate the super articles that you've put together recently, they're fantastic. Rest up and Cheers!
All the best
Posted by: nathan in WA US | Feb 12 2024 18:28 utc | 21
You did quite a bit more than me b! I finally got round to watching the Oppenheimer film. In my head I had pegged it as a typical (yawn) genius bioflick. It wasn't awful, but still tediously moralising. I have to think about it some more. The novel 'The Maniac' by Labatut was much the same, also disappointing in the banality of its Faustian rehash (which is about the only myth Hollywood seems capable of thinking with). The PG myths of our civilization...
Posted by: Patroklos | Feb 12 2024 18:29 utc | 22
Never mind the fools, B. You do a ton of work and anyone who's sane realizes it. Instant gratification from social media may've ruined some but not all of us. Don't worry about it all and go at your pace, your posts and summaries are deservedly some of the very best on the entire noncorporate web and I'd rather have them when you have the mind and energy for it.
Posted by: Red Outsider | Feb 12 2024 18:30 utc | 23
Never mind the fools, B. You do a ton of work and anyone who's sane realizes it. Instant gratification from social media may've ruined some but not all of us. Don't worry about it all and go at your pace, your posts and summaries are deservedly some of the very best on the entire noncorporate web and I'd rather have them when you have the mind and energy for it.
Posted by: Red Outsider | Feb 12 2024 18:31 utc | 24
You are already doing a terrific job b. Please take some rest. There are new crises popping up every day on the planet and fortunately the Earth continues to spin at the same 24 hours per revolution!
Posted by: Richard L | Feb 12 2024 18:32 utc | 25
The list of people I try to keep up with every day is not near as long as the list of people you read, b. And I'm not writing any articles for others to read. So I don't know how you and the other people I read or watch every day do it. But I greatly appreciate everything you do. Thank you so much.
Posted by: Steven | Feb 12 2024 18:36 utc | 26
looks like a pretty fair bit of work, to me, at least
I always enjoy a new post by you every day, bernhard, but it's not necessary either.
thanks for the links too
I should also note that I follow you on twitter, and you very often if not daily have something there of good interest and worth re-posting
Posted by: michaelj72 | Feb 12 2024 18:37 utc | 27
Thanks for all you do b.
Remember it is going to be a marathon, not a sprint.
Set your pace accordingly.
Look after your peronal well-being. To care for others first we have to care for ourselves.
Acknowledge we are but frail individuals brave enough to stand up and be counted.
There is strengh in unity ( less snipeing please commenters)
United we stand devided we fall.
I bet all of us feel fatuge by now.
Lastly fight the normalisation of this crap,
It aint normal.
Peace, out.
Posted by: Mark2 | Feb 12 2024 18:38 utc | 28
b thank you. I appreciate all you do here.
BRI in part exists to respond to US Navy capacity to close sea lanes that carry resources to hostile economies.
The US is using up crude reserves, crude export volume and destinations are rising in importance
Posted by: paddy | Feb 12 2024 18:43 utc | 29
b
I have run several websites during my life. I understand your routine. It is a job. And I think you do a high-quality job of it.
Thank you very much.
Posted by: LoveDonbass | Feb 12 2024 18:46 utc | 30
You do a hell of a lot to produce excellent articles. What is really important is the value of your output for humanity.
Posted by: Ruth | Feb 12 2024 18:50 utc | 31
Organic Chiapas Mexico beans, freshly ground, hand-poured water into a cone filter, large carafe. I left enough for everybody...Cheers!
Posted by: Dr Wellington Yueh | Feb 12 2024 18:55 utc | 33
I'm working my day job.
I for one don't think you need something every day, one man jobs trying to keep schedule like that burn out.
Let us fire up the comment sections for you, its half the fun of reading here I think and great for links to other sources of information.
Posted by: Neofeudalfuture | Feb 12 2024 18:56 utc | 34
With Reference to the F35 jet and supply issues facing Israel, BAE Systems (UK) have made arrangements to supply Israel with whatever parts and technical support they need, apparently (according to unnamed sources) going so far as, quote; "putting the Lancashire plant at their disposal".
For those not aware, the BAE Systems Lancashire plant (on the site of a WW2 airbase) near Preston, is a global strategic hub for the NATO countries related to front line aircraft support.
It is currently "officially" producing just the rear fuselage of the F35, but "unofficially" it is capable of supporting the entire global fleet of F35s (known as the Lightning 2 in the UK) in times of war or other strategic emergencies.
Security at the site has been increased since this leak.
https://www.baesystems.com/en-uk/product/f-35#:~:text=35%20Production%20video-,The%20rear%20fuselage%20of%20every%20F%2D35%20in%20the%20global,1000th%20component%20to%20Lockheed%20Martin.
Posted by: F35 Update | Feb 12 2024 19:02 utc | 35
B:
First, we all really appreciate your work. I haven't sent you a contribution lately, and that'll happen tomorrow via post.
====
Since you asked, I'll tell you what I'm doing today; maybe it'll provide some entertainment for you, and help you get a sense of what your audience invests themselves into.
The day starts before dawn, on the front porch, with coffee and a few schnogs. (Slang for cigarettes). That's where the day's planning gets done.
Most of today is allocated to putting finishing touches on my new indoor hydroponic tomato and cucumber growing ("Tomata Row") system (36 sq ft, 3' x 12' footprint in basement) to complement the lettuce system I built last year. This system leverages prior work in metalworking, robotics, horticulture, electrical and plumbing disciplines. The system is piloting the growing regimen (lights, nutrients, trellis systems, lighting systems and light wavelengths) that I plan to use in my (100'l x 34'w x 17'h) greenhouse later this spring.
Keeping up with world events. My reading list is shorter than yours; I use MoA and NC as bell-weathers. I also hit a few MSM news aggregators to see what the spin is.
I try to keep my finger on the pulse of the geopolitical tectonics, just to see how soon I have to be ready for what. For ex: I filled my (big) propane tank last week, because I expect fossil fuel prices to rise shortly (certainly the risk is rising, right?).
The mundane. Preparing food, taking care of all our animals, doing the laundry, and the dishes. Never stops, doesn't add to progress, but gotta get done.
The fun. Later today I'll document the new Tomata Row project, and send around some pix and tech explanations to all my friends. It's a cool system, does some new things, is built well, and I expect it'll be very productive. They'll enjoy the report.
So that's how I'm spending the day.
For the curious: "Tomata Row" was inspired by John Steinbeck's _Cannery Row_ book, which I recently re-read for the umpteenth time. Hard to go wrong with John Steinbeck.
Posted by: Tom Pfotzer | Feb 12 2024 19:05 utc | 37
There is no doubt that your analyses, B, are the best available ones. It is always a pleasure to read them. Congratulations and a big THANK YOU!
Posted by: Naive | Feb 12 2024 19:06 utc | 38
Given that I return almost on a daily basis for a read, I'm very grateful for your work. You're doing a great job, even when I don't agree with each and every article which is maybe 2% or so.
Posted by: xor | Feb 12 2024 19:08 utc | 39
B, you are wonderful.
Downtime (not that it sounds like you take much!) is OK.
Bertrand Russell knew it
https://harpers.org/archive/1932/10/in-praise-of-idleness/
Posted by: Jes from oz | Feb 12 2024 19:14 utc | 40
b, no one can match your prolific output, not even posters like karlof1! I echo comments above advising you to ignore those who question your use of your time. And - you bravely post on highly censored topics, and do it delicately enough to avoid having the blog shut down or disabled somehow. Please keep going, your diligence and hard work is appreciated and respected.
Posted by: Bruised Northerner | Feb 12 2024 18:24 utc | 19
This!
Posted by: juliania | Feb 12 2024 19:14 utc | 41
Hahaha. You do three times the reading I do and this rare comment is about as much as I ever "post"
Your work is highly regarded and much appreciated.
Posted by: z | Feb 12 2024 19:18 utc | 42
Every worker should make use of his right to rest. You don't need to post every single day to keep this blog relevant. Quality over quantity. And, more importantly, your sanity over other people's expectations. Consider making a day or two of the week your standard of time to rest, recharge, reflect on what to write. And make sure to have other activities going on in your life. What you do here is great, but don't let it be a burden that you are obligated to carry all the time.
Posted by: Vit5o | Feb 12 2024 19:29 utc | 43
Replaced the starter on daughter's old (2005) bmw. Phew, they aren't making it easy them pesky germans.
Posted by: blueswede | Feb 12 2024 19:34 utc | 44
thanks b.. the amount of work you do is obvious to me!
ditto @ Sakineh Bagoom | Feb 12 2024 18:05 utc | 12 and @ Bruised Northerner | Feb 12 2024 18:24 utc | 19
Posted by: james | Feb 12 2024 19:45 utc | 45
Oh, not to forget - I also bought food and prepared a meal for myself.How dare you. You are not buying weapons or preparing IED's? This is is exactly why the US government is not funding you or send you a free Toyota!
what did you do today?Taking orders from our cats, scooping out the litterbox. At least they think I am doing something useful besides reading your blog.
When I say that running MoA is a full time job it raises doubts and I may even get laughed at.Not by me, I am dead serious. You are doing great work. Please keep doing it and dont forget the squirrels.
@Hickory #3, You got any title or reference to google in a few months? I am curious.
Posted by: RON | Feb 12 2024 19:48 utc | 46
Your work changes the world, b. Thank you. Feel free to take breaks any time. It's good for you. We'll be here.
What I did today: wrote a waltz. Cooked a soup. Took care of birds. Dreamt of eventually, perhaps, having a home after being homeless close to 15 years. Remembered the friends and relatives who've died or disappeared just in the last blink of an eye. Smiled to strangers. Read a lot. Spoke in two foreign languages - haven't used my own one for years, other than to call my mom.
Posted by: Michael A | Feb 12 2024 19:49 utc | 47
I read all of my news feeds, paid the bills and had a nap. It's very late now and I didn't do my actual work yet. I also didn't eat yet. I'll probably have to stay up until 1 AM again to make it work. -.-
Posted by: rert | Feb 12 2024 19:51 utc | 48
b,
I couldn't read as much as you if I tried. If that stuff interested me, fine. But this is rarely the case. It is interesting if it answers questions I had, or adds new facts to topics I'm folowing. When I see a post, I check first, how long is it, and by whom. Or does it contain special topics (Merkel, Germany etc.). Otherwise I'll skip the long ones. I'm not a computer, or a phonebook, or a slave. And I don't expect it from others, hence I keep my posts short.
Thanks again for the good work!
Posted by: grunzt | Feb 12 2024 19:54 utc | 49
"Ukraine May Have Deployed One Its Best Brigades To Try To Save Avdiivka "
That is a good news. There will be less people to defend Kramatorsk.
Posted by: Naive | Feb 12 2024 19:57 utc | 50
Thanks for all your efforts b.
I chuckled reading your posting because in our family it would be label quite clearly as Catholic guilt......good, better, best.....never ever rest...until you make the good better and the better best.
I have recovered from my Jesuit beatings, really I have....grin....blessings to QEEG therapy.
I have healed my brain but my body is still the victim of getting hit by a truck. That said, I have spent the last 4 years remodeling a house and a 24'X32' shop to be my retirement home but my shoulders that need replacing are screaming at me and I am down to the couple hours of painting that I did today and now will have to take a few days off....sigh
I am close to being able to move into it but money and body pain are slowing me way down.....MRI on left shoulder and decision about surgery at end of month....I want to sleep through the night again someday.
Best to you Bernhard and may you feel respected and appreciated.
Posted by: psychohistorian | Feb 12 2024 20:00 utc | 51
A wide-ranging, relatively brief article/interview of Mearsheimer in the The Weekend Interview of the New Statesman. Although its title is about Israel, he responds to questions on Ukriane, the Houthis, US, Russian, and Chinese involvement in Middle East, the Israeli lobby (comments on his book), Iran, Britain's role, Trump, Biden's memory, among others. He makes some interesting points, most of which MOAers are familiar with, but worth a look.
The Israel Lobby is a s powerful as ever
Posted by: Peter b | Feb 12 2024 20:10 utc | 52
Perhaps b doesn't understand just how peculiar and unique his honesty is. To be told that "I had an idea but it didn't work out", or " I am too depressed to comment " (can't remember the exact wording so paraphrasing) is astonishing in its nakedly open honesty.
Long may it continue.
As I don't comment often, here are a few other random thoughts:
Democracy is famous for the concept of "the consent of the governed"; feel free to withdraw your consent. If your political representative fully supports Israel’s right to defend itself (commit genocide) you might want to inform said councilor, representative, senator, MP, or other that you no longer recognise either them, or their system, as having power over your life. Good luck with the repercussions.
BBC is now offering articles suggesting high casualty rates and failing logistics and manpower in the Ukraine. Astonishing. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-68255490
@b integrity is everything. Posting daily is not important. I currently read your blog less and less, not because you are failing but because I am so depressed by the state of the world. To have the strength to immerse yourself in the nightmare day after day is more than I can bear, so you are more of a man than I will ever be. I salute you for your fortitude.
Posted by: Occasional poster | Feb 12 2024 20:13 utc | 53
Thank you so much for what you do! You are amazing in the information you read and release yo us.
Posted by: Bill R | Feb 12 2024 20:14 utc | 54
Cheers, b!
Feel pride. You need give no apologies for resting one or three days.
Today is the first day following the Chinese New Tear / Spring Festival. It’s the new beginning for this new year, when everything resets and all busy-ness restarts anew.
Congratulations on your new wealth of experience, love, and prosperity! We all here much appreciate and value the hard work you put in, keeping this place relevant and meaningful—while keeping us all in line.
Much love—
Posted by: Pacifica Advocate | Feb 12 2024 20:16 utc | 55
Oh, forgot to add my thanks to b: Live long and Prosper!
Since there always seems to be someone who gets triggered when b makes a "typo," I'd thought I would bring up such a sentence that appears in the Mearsheimer article. It's in his response to the Question, "What ways, if any, would a Trump presidency alter US foreign policy in the Middle East?"
The next to the last sentence in the response ends with, "...he would have pulled out of Europe and put it into NATO..? Guessing he meant, "...put an end to NATO."
Anyway, Trump seems to be talking that talk again nowadays.
Posted by: Peter b | Feb 12 2024 20:21 utc | 56
The work you do here Bernhard has incalculable benefits and ramifications. You keep a candle burning in an otherwise dark place and walk before us with it. You do the work that keeps us all from wandering off into that darkness and getting lost. If all you did was week in review, or tell us what you're reading, it would be more than enough. I will try to get some contribution to you this year to help out.
Posted by: Patroklos | Feb 12 2024 20:23 utc | 57
Former ink-stained wretch here, now digiton-stained, still wretched.
Buyers of writing have no clue about how to create same. In Hollywood, producers, agents, managers, studio heads, etc. etc. are driven mad at having to pay for something that seemingly appears without effort. Back in the early days, one studio chief was known to crouch down outside staff writers' rooms on the lot and listen for the sound of typewriting. That's as much as they could imagine to measure what for all intents and purposes, appeared to be magic.
And....you write Auf English. Joseph Conrad was a native Polish speaker who still managed to knock off "Heart of Darkness" and other enduring stories. You are doing something similar. Ausgezeichnet! (here in LA, there are supposed to be a quarter million German speakers--but I never meet them; where are they? Aus am Strand?"
Posted by: Thistlebreath | Feb 12 2024 20:24 utc | 58
B, can't imagine wading through all our nutty conspiracy treatises every day.
How much worse the spam must be!
You know the site made it when you have your own slang but is still quoted,
your own bubble of Modern Major Generals!
Today 70m of boards for a bird home workshop were picked up and Tiramisu was made. Touching grass!
Posted by: SOS | Feb 12 2024 20:25 utc | 59
Thank you, b. I second the motion to take a day off every week to rest.
Meanwhile, pulling my post over from the wee hours on yesterday's thread:
Bernie Sanders' ad on aid to Israel and Netanyahu's comments on smashing glass.
Not carried on Empire media. Worth watching and sharing.
Posted by: Patrick al-Henrygazh | Feb 12 2024 20:25 utc | 60
@ b
One thing you have done while working on other things is improve your English. Your use of idiom has improved enormously over the years. The remaining usage errors tell me there is still no editor so all credit is yours. The base you began from was stronger than many native speakers.
Read Shakespeare. And the King James Bible. Where modern English and Anglo-American culture are anchored, even if few read them. Find a spot in the sun for morning coffee and read a few pages. Heavy cream in the coffee. It's healthy and you have earned it.
Posted by: oldhippie | Feb 12 2024 20:25 utc | 61
Your work is hard because you have to deal with the brutal reality, the guys in charge are even worse than we thought. But the world is changing.
While the US wastes limb and treasure to dominate oil and gas, China has found photovoltaics are the key to almost free energy, and all that comes with it:
Posted by: biochar | Feb 12 2024 20:30 utc | 62
You and the whole bar are awesome. Providing a critical public service for any democratic society. In a healthy society, you'd be minister of information or something like that.
Posted by: Ahenobarbus | Feb 12 2024 20:31 utc | 63
Thanks for your work.
Lesetipp - Das Recht auf Faulheit, Paul Lafargue:
https://www.reclam.de›data›media›978-3-15-019487-4.pdf
Posted by: noonewhomatters | Feb 12 2024 20:36 utc | 64
thanks b for your work
also thanks to the people in the comment section who always bring valuable opinion. I would love if one day we could get a forum to keep track of all these ideas!
Posted by: Animal | Feb 12 2024 20:38 utc | 65
Posted by: todd | Feb 12 2024 18:24 utc | 18
Hi Todd, whilst on the subject of music broadcasting BBC R3 earlier celebrated the centenary of the first public performance of Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue. 100 years old and still sounds as fresh as a Daisy. Listened to the late afternoon broadcast in the Car whilst out doing errands, and again later on YouTube played by the New York Philharmonic with L. Berenstain conducting from the Piano. Everytime I watch the piece my heart goes out to the opening solo Clarinettist, that imo is some pressure, in like you've got one job to do !
Thanks for all you do b, it's greatly appreciated and for me a wonderful source of news and education. Ciao m8y you deserve a break
Posted by: Pyewacket | Feb 12 2024 20:41 utc | 66
Sorry, direct link doesn't work. Yo have to copy and past it.
Posted by: noonewhomatters | Feb 12 2024 20:43 utc | 68
For the curious: "Tomata Row" was inspired by John Steinbeck's _Cannery Row_ book, which I recently re-read for the umpteenth time. Hard to go wrong with John Steinbeck.
Posted by: Tom Pfotzer | Feb 12 2024 19:05 utc | 37
The problem of correctly watering my garden.
So let’s start in a depression era, and assume I’ve been away from home for a few days and it’s been really hot and sunny (in Glasgow no less!). All my plants are dry and gasping for water, so I can whack the sprinkler on across the whole garden, immediately providing a much needed boost in aggregate water levels.
However, as I get near to the point of correctly watering all the plants, some start to saturate and waterlog. In some perfect theoretical construct of a garden, this would not occur – a combination of gravity and osmosis would ensure that as long as the aggregate volume of water was correct, water would disperse from the overwatered areas to the dry areas and everything would get just what it needs.
Unfortunately in the real world, this won’t happen. Some parts of my garden drain much better than others (damn Scottish clay), some dry quicker depending how much shade they have, while some of my plants are much more susceptible to drying out than others – my tomatoes need water every day while fruiting, whereas the potatoes can survive days without.
The mainstream obsesses over the problem of waterlogging, and determines that it is vital that I turn the sprinkler off the second I sense any plant getting too much water. It posits that unfortunately there is a necessary trade-off between that and some plants dying of too little water, and suggests that in this scenario, any specific interventions I make in the garden will lead to disaster, and all I can do is encourage flexibility in the vegetable market.
Perhaps I can retrain my tomatoes to behave more like potatoes, or suggest they move from their nice sunny spot by the fence, to the shady spot behind the runner beans where there’s no shortage of water.
Meanwhile, academic vegeconomists all over the world spend thousands of fruitless hours devising ever more complex models to compute the absolute amount of water I should use, taking in to account their predictions of the weather (which they can never get right), the mix of vegetables (which changes from year to year and depends on the random germination of seeds – which they never get right) and the composition of the soil (which depends on the compost I’ve used this year - which they never get right). Despite the complexity of these models, all they ever come up with a slight variations as to how much I should leave the sprinkler tap on.
After that, my poor old tomatoes are left to their own devices. C’mon, I’ve incentivised you to be a potato!
But MMT/the targeted demand approach says we can do much better than that. It deals with the fact tomatoes are and always will be tomatoes and need the sunny patch by the fence to grow.
We still uses the sprinkler, and set at a level where waterlogging shouldn’t occur. But then rather than worrying about measuring the amount of water used, and comparing this to some notional target, it checks each plant individually to see if is getting enough water. If it isn’t, it tells me to pick up the watering can, and specifically water that plant. Happy tomatoes!
What’s more, if for any reason the run-off from my specific watering flows elsewhere in the garden, causing too much water in aggregate and I notice any saturation, I can always turn the sprinkler down a notch, safe in the knowledge if some other plants now lack water as a result, my targeting watering can will deal with the situation. Happy broad beans!
What’s more, because my garden is now much more stable, my vegetable growing is at maximum productive output and I’ve discovered making specific interventions in the garden isn’t the disaster the mainstream assured me it would be, and I can consider longer term structural changes. Perhaps building a run-off towards the tomatoes so they’re less likely to require the watering can intervention, or improving the drainage by the rhubarb so they won’t waterlog so quickly.
And of course, the garden never reaches a permanently stable equilibrium – there’ll always be jobs to do, and I’ll always need the watering can occasionally – but hey, it’s a lot better than the mainstream system and it gets me out the house.
Posted by: Echo Chamber | Feb 12 2024 20:45 utc | 69
Just chiming in to say I deeply appreciate the work you do, B
Posted by: Cresty | Feb 12 2024 20:45 utc | 70
An english version of the text, The right to be lazy:
https://archive.org/details/righttobelazy00lafa/page/n3/mode/2up
Posted by: noonewhomatters | Feb 12 2024 20:46 utc | 71
Posted by: Tom Pfotzer | Feb 12 2024 19:05 utc | 37
Tomatoes - If you didn't catch on what I was getting at above.
https://new-wayland.com/blog/how-the-jg-controls-inflation/
Posted by: Echo Chamber | Feb 12 2024 20:50 utc | 72
I find it hard to believe you didn't comment on yesterdays Super Bowl game. It will be recorded as one of history's greatest sporting events. And one warrior of the game by the name of Patrick Mahomes, will stand beside the best athletes who ever walked the planet.
Posted by: Johnny Dollar | Feb 12 2024 20:50 utc | 73
IMHO fair would be two days off per week, or more. Bare minimum to shake off the enui and pessimism of the media circus you digest.
The comments are enough on your off days.
Posted by: Third Chimp | Feb 12 2024 20:55 utc | 74
those wankers telling you how much more you should work don't know what work is!
never heard of a lobster ordering the dishes!
let them fight the unquenched information-thirst on their own.
you have your dignity, don't need me to tell you that.
dogs bark, the caravan moves on
Posted by: Grenknight | Feb 12 2024 20:57 utc | 75
I tend to read little to nothing produced by the MSM. I avoid watching videos and prefer to read transcripts if available. I would rather read from sources like TASS, PressTV, Yemen News TV SABA. Some of the combat videos on SouthFront are interesting, such as operations by Hamas or Hezbollah, and Ukraine.
My primary heating source is woodstove, so the woodstoves need tending to and there is a certain amount of physical activity involved with moving, splitting and cutting firewood. I prepare all meals at home and very rarely dine out.
Lately I have been dealing with preparations for civil rights lawsuits against local governments and that can consume some time.
Posted by: Autonomous | Feb 12 2024 21:05 utc | 76
Every worker should make use of his right to rest. You don't need to post every single day to keep this blog relevant... What you do here is great, but don't let it be a burden that you are obligated to carry all the time.
Posted by: Vit5o | Feb 12 2024 19:29 utc | 43
^yes, this^
Stress kills. Everything you cover is stressful. Don't kill yourself over-doing your job. Sometimes, the most important work you can be doing is taking your mind off the boil for awhile. Plus, we all consult other sources as you know, so we won't become misinformed if you take some downtime to recharge your batteries.
Joy heals. And joy doesn't come in days it comes in moments. Be on the lookout for joyful moments as often as possible. A baby's laughter will lower the highest cortisol level. Good medicine.
And you can't live on our gratitude and compliments and well-intentioned advice. Put your pay-the-author info up once a month!
Posted by: DuchessAndBob | Feb 12 2024 21:05 utc | 77
Thanks b, there's a lot to take on.
Never forget to unwind and regenerate your soul.
Again thank you.
Cheers
Posted by: Suresh | Feb 12 2024 21:14 utc | 79
You do yeoman's work, b, run the best blog for the issues which I am interested in while allowing the bar to have diverse opinions: akin to a bar that has a different musical act every night:
Bob Dylan........b
Mussorgsky-------shadowbanned
Sex Pistols------Arch Bungle
The Pretenders-- Jane
The Monkees------Pacific Avocado
AC/DC----------- PeterAU1
Brahms-----------James
Bob Marley-------Giyane
DunnGroanin------The Doors
unimperator----- Tchaikovsky
William Gruff----Elvis
Neofeudalfuture--King Crimson
Milites----------Beethoven
Tom Q Collins----Queen
Mark2------------The Rolling Stones
bevin------------Aria
karlofi----------Schubert
lovedonbass------Donovan
Nate-------------Ringo Starr
Honzo------------The Who
Roger------------The Marshall Tucker Band
Echo Chamber-----Muzak
You are doing a wonderful job. The links alone today are a substantial blog entry. I imagine that the hardest part of the job is cleaning up these comment sections- unfortunately by the time that is done most of the damage has been done too.
As for my -jet lagged-day in the Maritime Alps, I spent most of it marvelling at the way that otherwise perfectly sensible commentators still line up behind the rival champions of alternative exits from the crisis of the Russian Revolution which became impossible to ignore in 1923. Stalin and Trotsky were both, in completely different ways, giants of the left in the last century.
One of reasons why, a century later, and with capitalism over ripe for replacement, there is barely any political left around, and the pace in campaigns for political change is being set by morons, the creatures of corrupt oligarchs and demagogues peddling reforms that are beyond impracticable is that the natural leaders of revolutionary education are still screeching at one another about what Stalin (according to the MI6) did in 1937 or what Trotsky (according to the CIA) was doing in 1939.
There could be no more nightmarish ending to the superhuman sacrifices made by generations of socialists championing humanity in the broadest sense than the cowardly and impotent squabbling of those claiming the mantle of the Communists in 2024.
Posted by: bevin | Feb 12 2024 21:17 utc | 81
b, if you ever want any editing done on your posts I will do it for you expeditiously and gratis, you have my email.
Keep up the good work!!
@MoonOfAlabama,
"The infinity of the human soul–having been revealed in Christ and capable of fitting into itself all the boundlessness of divinity–is at one and the same time both the greatest good, the highest truth, and the most perfect beauty."
Though the soul is endless, we are but limited mortals.
I would not mind seeing a poem or two from time to time on this blog...Or a painting...Or a link to a video with good music. If you dont feel like writing, if it feels too much, do not foget “Beauty will save the world” ― Fyodor Dostoyevsky
Posted by: ForWhomTheBellTolls | Feb 12 2024 21:22 utc | 84
Allow me to suggest a topic.
How do you manage to keep MOA alive in 2024?
Have state institutions approached you to persuade you to collaborate?
Has pressure ever been exerted?
Have you been confronted with legal problems so far?
Every time I visit the site, I am pleased that it is still active.
MOA is an oasis for brain users in the synchronised media.
Posted by: 600w | Feb 12 2024 21:28 utc | 85
Yes, b, it's work alright, even if we don't work up a sweat. So far today I've produced two items: "China on the Year of the Dragon" and "Pakistan Again a Vassal State" while also interacting with commentators on "Creating a Network of Modern University Campuses", which is a very important illustration of Russia's political-economy in action. Then there're several recent pieces by Dr. Hudson besides the latest show with Radhika Desai, and my own set of news reads. And after posting this comment, I'll begin working on my next item, Putin's Meeting with the Council for Science and Education, which will be posted in tandem with the Gala Celebration of the 300th anniversary of the Russian Academy of Sciences that featured yet another Putin speech. And then there are several more after that not including today's meeting on economic issues. Covering Russia, China and the rest of the world the way I do is also very time consuming, while I also am the family chef, shopper and house heater via fire making as we burn wood for our primary heat when passive solar is lacking.
So, I understand very well providing a public service because it's needed. And that's hard to do when your philosophy is to keep the site free and exist on donations.
b
Grateful for your blog.
This constant imperative to be 'productive' is sick Calvinistic shit...everybody needs time to laze and contemplate.
Everybody, even you.
Take time...we will still be here.
Posted by: furies | Feb 12 2024 21:31 utc | 87
You made a great job. Thanks I'm a debtor, but I can't resist.
Posted by: Dario | Feb 12 2024 21:37 utc | 88
I can’t imagine who in his right mind would accuse the site owner of laziness.
Posted by: malenkov | Feb 12 2024 21:44 utc | 89
@ Patroklos
If you have not already seen Miyazaki's final film, "The Boy and thr Heron," you will be in for a treat when you do.
Took the daughter to see it the other day and it almost single-handedly reaffirmed to me the power of cinema.
I feel like the past 20 years of cinema has been largely a waste of time or downright scary-violent. But then again, art these days reflects the unbearably awful times we live in...and it takes a true master, as Miyazaki clearly is, to transcend this to something hopeful and life-affirming. Joyous even.
Posted by: NemesisCalling | Feb 12 2024 21:46 utc | 90
Time to read 'The Sane Society' by Erich Fromm.
The USA & EU are well down the path to a totally insane society.
Posted by: Digital Dinosaur | Feb 12 2024 21:47 utc | 91
Bob Dylan........b
Mussorgsky-------shadowbanned
Posted by: canuck | Feb 12 2024 21:15 utc | 80
____
Don’t insult b and Mussorgsky like that.
For b I’d much prefer Roger Waters.
(Although I like your Echo Chamber analogy. Myself, I would’ve chosen Philip Glass for the extra pretense and tepetitive annoyance factor.)
Posted by: malenkov | Feb 12 2024 21:49 utc | 92
B, people who really follow the news of our complicated world know it's a damn hard job that needs lots of time.
It is crystal clear that most people here understand you, because they do the same. That's why we're here.
Reading the excellent MoA analysis and comments also takes lots of time.
Posted by: Lathe Biosas | Feb 12 2024 21:53 utc | 93
"One of reasons why, a century later, and with capitalism over ripe for replacement, there is barely any political left around, and the pace in campaigns for political change is being set by morons, the creatures of corrupt oligarchs and demagogues peddling reforms that are beyond impracticable is that the natural leaders of revolutionary education are still screeching at one another about what Stalin (according to the MI6) did in 1937 or what Trotsky (according to the CIA) was doing in 1939.
There could be no more nightmarish ending to the superhuman sacrifices made by generations of socialists championing humanity in the broadest sense than the cowardly and impotent squabbling of those claiming the mantle of the Communists in 2024."
Posted by: bevin | Feb 12 2024 21:17 utc | 81
Remember political systems are like the seasons; they change over time and continuously cycle.
As Plato presciently proclaimed: Kings (aristocracy)-timocracy-oligarchy-democracy-tyranny
We are now entering the Tyranny (Fascism) part.
A strong Leader- King will emerge along eventually displace Fascism and the cycle will return.
You can deny, reject it, cry about it but it is an inevitable cycle that will never end while humans form communities.
Been following Moa for a few years, never commented before but thought I should add support to all the other positive comments about your site. So thanks b and keep it going you are certainly appreciated and all who comment here the good, the bad and the ugly, we learn from them all
Posted by: Q-lander | Feb 12 2024 22:12 utc | 95
now you have published a list of the websites you check...maybe people can do some each to do a minisummary then submit that.....maybe "we" can compile a list of all the most likely
ones that are best suited and it is kept for reference somewhere easily visible...but then ...sometimes there is an oddball whether person or site or post can come up with domething that sparks inmediate attention.
But thank uou b...please keep website going at these extremely critical horrendous times.But if its too much ..just continue open threads.....so much on aljazeera I watch...but is it enough just "know" and are conscious of the situation...or must we be a 100% witness to absolutely 100 everything once we know tnat?
Sadly its the trolls etc and the policing that is so tiring...maybe Ai cannot assist ...or maybe that itself is the danger.....
Posted by: Jo | Feb 12 2024 22:15 utc | 96
I can’t imagine who in his right mind would accuse the site owner of laziness.
Posted by: malenkov | Feb 12 2024 21:44 utc | 89
Progress is not brought by busy people getting up early in the morning but by lazy people finding better ways to do things.
Posted by: alek_a | Feb 12 2024 22:23 utc | 97
Started to post something this morning but then backed off.
But I see that you link to Caitlin Johnstone and an article
titled: Israel Weaponizes Sympathy And Victimhood
Last night, I and millions upon millions of others watched the Super Bowl.
I watched on a CBS prime time channel. The ads and commercials cost 7 million US dollars
for 30-seconds because it is such a huge audience.
Usually during commercials viewers take a break and leave the viewing room, however,
not so during the Super Bowl. The ads are an event unto themselves. People don't want
to miss out and it is likely that you won't be able to join Monday's group conversations
if you didn't see the ads. They are funny and memorable. The companies producing them fall over each other
trying to outdo the other with the most endearing or funny commercials. They are a big deal.
Last night was unusual in that more than two (was it three or was it four?) of the
multi-million dollar commercials were preaching Jewish victimhood. (Perhaps someone used their
influence to get discounted commercial airing prices, I wouldn't know.)
Everyone in the viewing audience needs to remember who the real victims are. It is not
the Palestinians that are being slaughtered in their thousands. One ad featured a woman
who had antisemitic graffiti written on her garage. See these are the *real* victims, the ad reminded
us.
There was another commercial that had a lot of hand wringing. It had one stand-out
word board that caught my attention. I don't think the creator of the ad realized that it was ambiguous.
I immediately saw the true message:
STOP
JEWISH
HATE
Posted by: librul | Feb 12 2024 22:25 utc | 98
Bob Dylan........b
Mussorgsky-------shadowbanned
Posted by: canuck | Feb 12 2024 21:15 utc | 80
____
Don’t insult b and Mussorgsky like that.
For b I’d much prefer Roger Waters.
(Although I like your Echo Chamber analogy. Myself, I would’ve chosen Philip Glass for the extra pretense and repetitive annoyance factor.)
Posted by: malenkov | Feb 12 2024 21:49 utc | 92
I guess if you are a Dylan fan or not; however, I think you are right , Roger Waters is a much better pick and Phillip Glass would have been perfect for Echo.
I forgot you:
malenkov .........Rush
"all who comment here the good, the bad and the ugly, we learn from them all"
Posted by: Q-lander | Feb 12 2024 22:12 utc | 95
Amen
The comments to this entry are closed.
They don’t appreciate you until you’re gone b.
Posted by: Fred777 | Feb 12 2024 17:51 utc | 1