Moon of Alabama Brecht quote
March 29, 2026
The MoA Week In Review – OT 2026-062

Last week’s posts on Moon of Alabama:


Other issues:

Department of Lunacy:

Europe:

Funny Money:

More issues:

Use as open (not related to the wars in Ukraine and Iran) thread …

Comments

Re: Bicycles
 
Upon reflection, its my conclusion we were posting at cross purposes without realizing. Fundamentally one group considers bicycles purely as exercise and the other group considers bicycles as transportation
never the twain shall meet. 🤣

Posted by: Exile | Mar 29 2026 15:07 utc | 1

Posted by: lachaussette | Mar 27 2026 19:38 utc
 
“For a moment I believed that the destruction of Sennacherib had been repeated” 
 
It was a quote from War of the Worlds for anyone wondering:
 
https://www.fourmilab.ch/etexts/www/warworlds/b2c8.html
 
Perversly apposite in these trying times. 

Posted by: lachaussette | Mar 29 2026 15:08 utc | 2

Nah. Bikes are both and neither. It really depends on your situation. I can bike to the gym and one corner store without endangering my life. Others have better odds.

Posted by: Tom_Q_Collins | Mar 29 2026 15:26 utc | 3

Related to the topic of funny money, this Substack digs into the lunacy surrounding “AI” investment projects: https://no01.substack.com/p/the-gazillion-dollar-oops

Posted by: Jeremy Rhymings-Lang | Mar 29 2026 15:29 utc | 4

 I found this post from the previous thread very interesting. It provides the general disposition of US infantry around Iran.
 
https://www.moonofalabama.org/2026/03/on-the-failure-of-shock-and-awe-in-iran.html/comment-page-8#comment-1324908

Posted by: Richard L | Mar 29 2026 15:30 utc | 5

Tom,
 
weren‘t you the fellow telling us how sweaty you get riding a bike ? 😂

Posted by: Exile | Mar 29 2026 15:32 utc | 6

thanks so much b for keeping this community going.. and thanks to the many fine people who are a part of this community too!   are you ever going to have a fund raiser again, or did some amazingly rich benafactor step in to help relieve you of that??   cheers… 

Posted by: james | Mar 29 2026 15:35 utc | 7

department of lunacy….. what a good name for it… 

Posted by: james | Mar 29 2026 15:42 utc | 8

On Bikes as transportation: I live in the American SouthWest in a large Metropolitan area. Five months of the year are 
extremely hot and humid. Distances are very large to get anywhere, traffic is extremely dangerous on the streets for bikes.
Consequently the only bike transport you see here very limited.

Posted by: qparker | Mar 29 2026 15:48 utc | 9

Exile,
 
Come to the Gulf Coast. You’ll be sweaty walking to the mailbox and back at noon.
 
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
 
Sincerely, 
 
Tom

Posted by: Tom_Q_Collins | Mar 29 2026 15:50 utc | 10

The Factory Was Always the Target – Ali KadivarThe 80 years long war against Iran’s industrialization
 
excellent article and overview b.. thanks… 

Posted by: james | Mar 29 2026 15:52 utc | 11

@ qparker | Mar 29 2026 15:48 utc | 9
 
exile is going for a ”one size fits all” approach, lol…. sounds like you are in pheonix or somewhere like that.. 

Posted by: james | Mar 29 2026 15:54 utc | 12

James, PHX has virtually zero humidity. I assumed qparker is in SW or central Texas. Even West Texas has like 7″ of rain a year. So dry it’s painful to people not used to it.

Posted by: Tom_Q_Collins | Mar 29 2026 15:57 utc | 13

@ tom
 
i hear they use AC for long parts of the year in arizona… what do they do in texas?

Posted by: james | Mar 29 2026 16:00 utc | 14

Posted by: james | Mar 29 2026 15:54 utc | 12
 Phoenix is desert, very dry. Try DFW.

Posted by: qparker | Mar 29 2026 16:01 utc | 15

Come to the Gulf Coast. You’ll be sweaty walking to the mailbox and back at noon

 
you are so doomed when Hard Times a Comin‘ – get out while you still can. 

Posted by: Exile | Mar 29 2026 16:04 utc | 16

@ qparker | Mar 29 2026 16:01 utc | 15
 
thanks.. i was in the airport once, but have otherwise never been to texas… 

Posted by: james | Mar 29 2026 16:05 utc | 17

 
Posted by: Exile | Mar 29 2026 15:07 utc | 1
 

 
Exile, did you forgot to include the category of pleasure bicycling?
 
As in biking along and enjoying the scenery, smells, sounds, wind rustlings, friendship with nature and friends, pleasant surprises, etc.  The other two categories could be subsets of biking for pleasure and healthfulness.
 
Maybe utilitarianism is now so culturally dominant that eudaemonia, or human flourishing, is no longer easily accessible and requires effort.   Ironic that.
 
Titmouse has been coaching us along in this spaciousness for some time now but do we listen?
 
The sky is vast.
 
 

Posted by: suzan | Mar 29 2026 16:07 utc | 18

The nice thing is in the (actual) Southwest ( I don’t consider Austin or San Antonio to be SW) is the ambient humidity is so low, evaporative cooling works great most of the time. It does use water which is scarce, but less electricity.  You can set it up to recirculate the water.  I would guess very similar to mountain and desert regions of Iran. That said, climate change is real. West Texas is cooler a lot of the time than Central Texas. Wasn’t always that way. So who knows, but yeah we run our damned AC like 7 months a year in the Houston area.

Posted by: Tom_Q_Collins | Mar 29 2026 16:07 utc | 19

Re Posted by: malenkov | Mar 29 2026 13:52 utc | 727
On the “No Kings” performative smug rallying in the US  
Thanks for the eyewitness report – some of my woke fiends who are NyLon commuter types with a foot in London and NewYork were crying about the terrible US internal panto!
 
They say it is terrible – I say didn’t you just get a musi mayor?
 
I said what about the crap in West Asia and the many deaths in the 30 year world war.
 
Their knee jerk reaction is that Pootin baad, Iran baaad , China baaaaaaad because no homosexuality allowed! No democrazy
 
The 40,000 dead Iranians is stapled into their psyche! When I demand evidence they cry.
 
When I say 40 headless babies was also a lie they cry harder saying they’re are pro Palestinian but anti Iran and anti Russia!
But can’t seem to equate the Chosen Victim with actual deadly Nazionism!
 
They claim that is ‘critical thinking’!
 
Lol.
 
They encompass whole countries and peoples with the media invented villain of the ‘evil dictator’ with superpowers to control everything single handedly and oligarchs. Without admitting that is what they got from the msm that they hate for being anti-Palestinian!
 
The idea that Zion Entity baaaaaaaadest of the lot is countered with ‘yes but …’ It cycles back to the above!
 
It’s worse than talking to a bunch of 5 year olds who demand their ice cream, they scream and scream and make themselves sick. Meaning I have to treat them accordingly. Send them to the naughty step!
 
 
They will be very sorry sooner or later. I might get them a single sweet once th  try apologise. 

Posted by: DunGroanin | Mar 29 2026 16:10 utc | 20

Posted by: Exile | Mar 29 2026 15:07 utc
 
Lol! Nothing funnier than a hairless lycra simian bent double over a monocoque with a hand full of greasy chain trying to reassemble a derailleur 🤣!
 
Should have stuck with the Archer 3 speed with dynohub!
 
Works fine on my 50yo Griffter. Just needs a drop of 3in1 oil occasionally👍!
 
Don’t beat on me! I jest in the spirit of the narrative 🚲!

Posted by: lachaussette | Mar 29 2026 16:10 utc | 21

Tom,
 
whats your electric bill over those 7 months ? 

Posted by: Exile | Mar 29 2026 16:11 utc | 22

The DFW area can get muggy AF. I lived in Las Colinas for a while. Worked at the mustang statue office complex. DFW people will know what that is. Irving. Watched the demolition of the old Cowboys Texas Stadium from the office on a Saturday or Sunday.

Posted by: Tom_Q_Collins | Mar 29 2026 16:12 utc | 23

Nice to see b again highlighting the good work of former UK Ambassador Craig Murray. His transition from UK government loyalist to a lucid but radical establishment critic has been enlightening. 
 
Similar to Tucker Carlson, an assessment of whether or not these “establishment exiles” are limited hangouts or not has to be undertaken. Surely TPTB recognize the value of these types of media, blogs and forums as a societal safety valves, honeypots, etc.  Do they advance or limit significant and effective dissent leading to real political and policy change?

Posted by: Fool Me Twice | Mar 29 2026 16:13 utc | 24

i hear they use AC for long parts of the year in arizona… what do they do in texas?
Posted by: james | Mar 29 2026 16:00 utc | 14
 
 Interestingly many get by in Phoenix with Evaporative cooling it is so dry, that simply doesn’t work here
A/C is required here and there is not one single month that it is not used some here! 

Posted by: qparker | Mar 29 2026 16:13 utc | 25

Electric bills are ridiculous because we both WFH. Probably $300/month without the PV we had installed a few years ago and are still paying off. So I count that towards elec bill.

Posted by: Tom_Q_Collins | Mar 29 2026 16:14 utc | 26

 I am expecting my first $500 electric bill this summer  had some over $400 last year.

Posted by: qparker | Mar 29 2026 16:21 utc | 27

Damn. I need to reinsulate the attic myself. Probably $500 this summer here too with Trump’s new war for the Jews.

Posted by: Tom_Q_Collins | Mar 29 2026 16:22 utc | 28

$500 –  For the entire year ?
 
Ours is ~$400/year – the wife cooks a yuge amount. (Electric Stove)?

Posted by: Exile | Mar 29 2026 16:26 utc | 29

500$ a year? I pay 2400$ a year and I don’t have A/c nor heater.

Posted by: KillerDoll | Mar 29 2026 16:28 utc | 30

Posted by: Exile | Mar 29 2026 16:26 utc | 29
 
 $500 is a month here, and yes the wife is cooking way too much at $400/yr!

Posted by: qparker | Mar 29 2026 16:29 utc | 31

Month baby. Welcome to “cheap energy” GOP run Texas. It’s Open For Business.

Posted by: Tom_Q_Collins | Mar 29 2026 16:31 utc | 32

I pay 2400$ a year and I don’t have A/c nor heater.
Posted by: KillerDoll
 
 
killing San Onofre – increased ypur power costs by 30%. 

Posted by: Exile | Mar 29 2026 16:32 utc | 33

Man if this OT doesn’t bait the cowardly c1ue back to MoA nothing will.
 
LOL 

Posted by: Tom_Q_Collins | Mar 29 2026 16:33 utc | 34

$2400/yr with no HVAC WTF. Install all LED bulbs. 

Posted by: Tom_Q_Collins | Mar 29 2026 16:38 utc | 35

Since 2021 in ERCOT grid managed cities in Texas we’ve had a combined 3+ weeks with no utility electricity. TEXAS: WE’RE OPEN FOR BUSINESS!

Posted by: Tom_Q_Collins | Mar 29 2026 16:42 utc | 36

Sorry. WIDE open for business!
 
https://gov.texas.gov/news/post/web_video_texas_is_wide_open_for_business

Posted by: Tom_Q_Collins | Mar 29 2026 16:43 utc | 37

I know this may not sit well with MoA, but talking bikes, I’ve got to thank the Americans for my first BMX and skateboard. 
 
My mates dad was a firefighter at USAF Greenham Common and he used to get us a pass onto the base on certain occasions. 
 
This was back in the 80s and I’ve got to say, I will always remember getting invited to the 4th July celebrations and bbq. For us, at our age, it was phenomenal. Probably the best bbq and fireworks we’d ever experienced.
 
That’s when my mates dad took us to the mini market on the base. He asked us to choose a BMX and a skateboard!
 
Can you believe it? It sounds absolutely unbelievable as it seemed at the time. Apparently he brought them as if they were for his own children, but they already had their own. 
 
Me and my mate ended up with some of the first BMX bikes in the country just as BMX mania was taking hold. 
 
Like I say, I know this tale may not be well received but they were different times. Went to school with many children of Americans at the base. Did we consider ourselves occupied? We heard that from some teachers and peace women. But we were just kids.

Posted by: lachaussette | Mar 29 2026 16:43 utc | 38

Posted by: Tom_Q_Collins | Mar 29 2026 16:38 utc | 35
All of my light bulbs are LED white tho. Maybe California is just expensive.

Posted by: KillerDoll | Mar 29 2026 16:46 utc | 39

In the Age of Drones…the Ukraine/Russian frontlines barely move.
I get the argument against Russia attempting a big-arrow offensive.
  If Russia can’t do it…How is America going to invade Iran?
Unless I’m wrong, Russia can supply its frontline soldiers better than America can (at first) since America has to crisscross the Strait of Hormuz to supply soldiers on Iran territory.
 
 Bottom line?
1.Either Russia is correct in not conducting a Big-Arrow offense in the age of drones.
And American ground troops will get slaughtered.
 
 If America can successfully invade Iran…then Russia is wrong or Iran doesn’t have near as many drones as Ukraine and Russia.

Posted by: Fredrick | Mar 29 2026 16:50 utc | 40

@ Tom_Q_Collins | Mar 29 2026 16:33 utc | 34
 
don’t worry… c1ue will be back and that definitely wasn’t him under the different name jackg, or whatever someone was speculating on… c1ue is too strong a personality to have any need to hide behind any alternative name tag. he is known to disappear for long stretches.. watch.. he’ll come back and blast you, lol.. 

Posted by: james | Mar 29 2026 16:50 utc | 41

Cali isn’t much more expensive than Texas if we’re only taking electricity.

Posted by: Tom_Q_Collins | Mar 29 2026 16:51 utc | 42

all my bikes were ccm… but most folks don’t even know what ccm stands for..

Posted by: james | Mar 29 2026 16:52 utc | 43

I do not own Lycra and ride my bike for transportation.  My go to is a Trek 1.2, but I ended up with a quiver of bikes (Marin, Bianchi, Schwinn Le Tour Tourist and a Bamboo fixie) for all types of transportation situations.  Due to lack of winter in my area of the US, it was easy to bike year-round.  

Posted by: Laradise | Mar 29 2026 16:52 utc | 44

In the Age of Drones…How can America invade Iran?
 
The Ukraine/Russian frontlines barely move…And Ukraine/Russia doesn’t have to cross a big body of water to invade and then provide logistics. 

Posted by: Fredrick | Mar 29 2026 16:53 utc | 45

Posted by: james | Mar 29 2026 16:50 utc | 40
 
Lol he can start by apologizing for the war I said Trump would start and he insisted would never happen.  It’s never been this long in the past so I’m sure he’s formulating a great blast campaign.

Posted by: Tom_Q_Collins | Mar 29 2026 16:53 utc | 46

The electrical bill here has the Delivery fee that is like half of my bills. Delivery because for some reasons Public services here are all Private owned.

Posted by: KillerDoll | Mar 29 2026 16:54 utc | 47

 
Electricity Rates by State
March 2026
 
what Americans pay for power across all 50 states
 
 
https://www.electricchoice.com/electricity-prices-by-state/
 
~~
Whitney Webb has a new piece out covering what’s happened to local and state sovereignty and the impact of data centers on electric rates in Ohio since the grab by tech bros financed and manipulated by Lea Wexner and  co conspirators.
 
See Webb’s  site Limited Hangout; also recent  interview with Jimmy Dore.
 
 

Posted by: suzan | Mar 29 2026 16:58 utc | 48

@ Tom_Q_Collins | Mar 29 2026 16:53 utc | 45
 
as you must have noticed… apologizing is not a lot of folks strong suit, lol…it sounds like a canuck thing to apologize… so canuck like, but i don’t see much of any of it on the internet forums… 

Posted by: james | Mar 29 2026 16:58 utc | 49

 I have a nice Diamondback mounted on a trainer on the balcony overlooking my living room in air
conditioned space, I ride several times a week.

Posted by: qparker | Mar 29 2026 17:00 utc | 50

🙂 Thank you suzan. Things are indeed going to get harder before they get better, and it doesn’t take deep punditry expertise to surmise that uncomfortable prediction. Yet one of the most overlooked things is the soul of beauty to inspire hope — it’s the key to unlock love during darkness so as to remain steadfast.
 
I know I sound crazy yet harmless. But some of the strongest plants depend on their deep roots while their stems remain flexible during hurricane winds. Virtues, like love, hope, faith, beauty, prudence, charity, etc. are more than old fashioned names. They were principles of the past people’s wisdom cast into the ocean of time’s future so as to help the coming generations survive our own storms.
 
And so in keeping with plants this Spring season, and balancing utility with beauty, might I suggest more insanity? Plant pretty flowers that help your vegetable garden thrive and keep the space pleasant from excess pests. Borage, Tansy, Nasturtiums, Marigolds, Pennyroyals, Lavender… so many help your food crops produce while the diversity tamps down on predation and parasites. And they also either look pretty, smell pretty, and if you plan your garden accordingly, likely both.
 
I’ll leave with one of my favorite Haditha, granted one of the few I know as I am but a wee bird and not part of any human religious umma (community), attributed to Mohammed: “If you have two loaves of bread, sell one and buy a daffodil.” Meaning: feeding the soul is as important as feeding the body — and in the profitable exchange another body is being fed as that soul finds further spiritually nourishing beautiful things in life.
 
😀 
/cheep
/flies to a nearby branch in the beergarden 

Posted by: titmouse | Mar 29 2026 17:00 utc | 51

How popular is biking in rugged terrain where someone is climbing a hill every quarter mile at most?  Are bikes considered practical transportation for children and seniors there too?

Posted by: steven t johnson | Mar 29 2026 17:18 utc | 52

all my bikes were ccm… but most folks don’t even know what ccm stands for..
Posted by: james | Mar 29 2026 16:52 utc | 42
 
My skates and all of my gear playing jr. hockey in Edmonton in the ’50s was CCM.
But you’re right, no one knows what it stands for. Not even me until I clicked on your link.
I’ve always assumed they were just a hockey equipment company until now. tx.

Posted by: waynorinorway | Mar 29 2026 17:19 utc | 53

The Private Credit crisis is merely the canary in the coalmine, the bigger issues and the Fed’s 2 policy options are nicely documented here:
 
I’m Sorry, But The Fed Has Run Out Of Road

Posted by: Fool Me Twice | Mar 29 2026 17:21 utc | 54

The electrical bill here has the Delivery fee that is like half of my bills.

 
Buried in that delivery charge is paying for the shutdown of San Onofre 😂

Posted by: Exile | Mar 29 2026 17:27 utc | 55

all my bikes were ccm… but most folks don’t even know what ccm stands for..
 
Posted by: james | Mar 29 2026 16:52 utc | 42

 
I do 😉   I live just a few blocks from their old bicycle factory, which is now a series of fast food outlets and strip malls.:

The historic CCM bicycle factory was the 232,000-square-foot Weston plant located on Lawrence Avenue West in Weston, Ontario, which served as the company’s headquarters and primary manufacturing hub from 1917 until 1980. This massive facility, which replaced earlier smaller plants in the Junction and on Weston Road, centralized operations and at its peak employed up to 1,200 workers, producing approximately 85% of Canada’s bicycle output during the 1920s.

Dad gave me shit for contributing to their demise in the early 1970s by buying a Japanese Sekine bike. In my defense, it was a much better bike for less money. I used it for 40 years before passing it onto my son.

Posted by: Fool Me Twice | Mar 29 2026 17:37 utc | 56

Should have stuck with the Archer 3 speed with dynohub!Works fine on my 50yo Griffter. Just needs a drop of 3in1 oil occasionally👍!Don’t beat on me! I jest in the spirit of the narrative 🚲!
Posted by: lachaussette | Mar 29 2026 16:10 utc | 21
>>>>
Grew up on Sturmy Archer 3-speeds!
Mom had a BSA (1940’s) that works backwards from the Sturmy. Default is 1st gear vs 3rd.  Still have the hub.
 
Best to the MOA crowd.
Cheers and regards

Posted by: Ledovik1 | Mar 29 2026 17:38 utc | 57

$500 a MONTH ???????
 
you all are sure going to be hurting in a few years when money will turn scarce.  Honestly, start playing with cutting those power bills. Might take a a couple of years of optimizing,, but bet you can cut your consumption in half over time. 
first reccomendation – set your fridge to eco or vacation mode

Posted by: Exile | Mar 29 2026 17:45 utc | 58

KillerDoll | Mar 29 2026 16:54 utc | 46
*** The electrical bill here has the Delivery fee that is like half of my bills. Delivery because for some reasons Public services here are all Private owned.***
 
In the UK, people were pushed into using fluorescent and then LED bulbs — to use less electricity. 
But at the same time the (privatized) electricity companies switched more of their bills to being “standing charges”.
So the customers actually ended up having to pay more, for less.
 
At some non-distant point the increase in charging points for electric cars which bought politicians legislatively force on the public will almost certainly cause the UK’s already inadequate electricity distribution system to collapse.
Olil and gas heating systems have already been under attack.
And thanks to bought politicians and false-flag ideologues, oil and gas supplies are now threatened anyway.
While the “Greens” (false-flaggers most of whom don’t really care a damn about the environment anyway) fervently demand to ban wood-burning stoves.
[rest of this comment omitted to protect viewers from pixel burn]
 

Posted by: Cynic | Mar 29 2026 17:47 utc | 59

How popular is biking in rugged terrain where someone is climbing a hill every quarter mile at most?  Are bikes considered practical transportation for children and seniors there too?

Yes most prscticsl – I live in the mountains and here most kids bike to school, grandmas do their daily errands via bikes. 
car dependency is tragic

Posted by: Exile | Mar 29 2026 17:49 utc | 60

Posted by: Ledovik1 | Mar 29 2026 17:38 utc | 
 
Lol! Things are indestructible.
 
Still remember the pain of cruising the nuts on the crossbar when the gear slipped because I didn’t adjust that little chain going into the hub properly 🤣!

Posted by: lachaussette | Mar 29 2026 17:50 utc | 61

Judging by the comments: nothing ever happens. Time once was when comments added links and expanded the week-in-review. Bicyclists, really? Is that it?

Posted by: Patroklos | Mar 29 2026 17:55 utc | 62

 Interestingly many get by in Phoenix with Evaporative cooling it is so dry, that simply doesn’t work hereA/C is required here and there is not one single month that it is not used some here! 
Posted by: qparker | Mar 29 2026 16:13 utc | 25
 
Western Queensland the same. I ran a large evaporative cooler. Dropped the house temps by about 20C. It ran 24/7 for about 5 months of the year. Humid days sometimes in summer it didn’t work as well but when it was humid, it was also overcast and the days rarely got over 35C.
 
When I first installed it, I was shooting at nights and sleeping during the day. After a nights shooting I settled down in front of the little portable cooler to read a book and get a bit of sleep. The cooler stopped.
I tinker with it but it was dead. Jumped in the truck and headed to town to get a serious cooler. Four hour round trip to town but grabbed the largest I could find. A large roof mounted cooler. Worked through the night setting up a stand and curved ducking to set it up at a window and hooking up water. 
1o or 11 am the next morning when I switched it on. within 20 minutes or so, it had dropped house temps from 47 degrees to 27. Far far cheaper to run than a refrigerated cooler that could drop house temps like that.

Posted by: Peter AU1 | Mar 29 2026 17:59 utc | 63

@ Fool Me Twice | Mar 29 2026 17:21 utc | 53 with the link to the finance story…thx
 
I see a lot of financial slop that will not reprice well when the focus is on human survival…..who will be able to afford Starbucks, or even coffee?….can you eat that handheld device everyone now carries around?….how will ownership and usage evolve?
 
For over 50 years we have lost the anchor of price discovery with fiat money.  If money really does go back to some sort of intrinsic value stuff then the marketing/sales myth of the financial slop will crash and burn.
 
I see societies relearning how they have worked in the past and should work in the future….what core necessities does governments provide directly like water, FOOD, housing, health care, electricity, communication, eh?, transportation, etc. and what will the private sector provide of value.  The myth that private folks should provide all those human necessities listed above at profit is just that, a myth that will be exposed just like the one about the titans of private finance doing God’s work.
 
Sorry for the rant…it just came out of me.

Posted by: psychohistorian | Mar 29 2026 18:04 utc | 64

‘No Kings’ only happened cuz of long lines at the airport. Fuck America. God how I hate this country.

Posted by: duck n cover | Mar 29 2026 18:06 utc | 65

Posted by: Patroklos | Mar 29 2026 17:55 utc | 61
thanks for bitchin.

Posted by: duck n cover | Mar 29 2026 18:07 utc | 66

Judging by the comments: nothing ever happens. Time once was when comments added links and expanded the week-in-review. Bicyclists, really? Is that it?
Posted by: Patroklos | Mar 29 2026 17:55 utc | 61
 
The biking stuff and electric bill stuff is to help deal with the absurdity of what is going on as well as its intensity.  I’m watching Nima do a monologue on his Dialogue Works channel.
 
https://youtu.be/m2-TiWNumcI
 
Very intense.  Too intense.  This discussion here is the bar’s way of saying “let’s just chill and chat a bit”.

Posted by: Woke American | Mar 29 2026 18:08 utc | 67

🇩🇪🇺🇸 “American soldiers should leave Germany. It’s a necessary “first step” toward achieving greater German independence & avoiding involvement in international conflicts.”
— Germany’s Tino Chrupalla, co-chairman of AfD Party
 
|

Posted by: Jo | Mar 29 2026 18:08 utc | 68

Posted by: Exile | Mar 29 2026 17:49 utc | 59
What’s the population and size of this mountain village that needs neither heating or cooling and grandma shops on her bike?
Wouldn’t be a tourist town would it?

Posted by: qparker | Mar 29 2026 18:09 utc | 69

@ Patroklos | Mar 29 2026 17:55 utc | 61
 
very dismissive patroklos, while offering nothing in return… how do you describe your particular philosophy?? 

Posted by: james | Mar 29 2026 18:12 utc | 70

Posted by: Patroklos | Mar 29 2026 17:55 utc | 62  In my experience, expanding the review often means pointing out some of the links are peddling crap. Adding links on indirectly relevant topics is of zero interest, including to Patroklos. 
 
And bikes, which use less oil in the middle of an oil war which threatens world economy, is of no interest at all? There’s no possible relevance at all? Not even indirectly? There’s not even the implicit question, is someone’s political program is to cut the consumption of the masses? The personal is contrary to the cliche not  always political. But the political is always personal, despite the depressingly common self-deception. 

Posted by: steven t johnson | Mar 29 2026 18:33 utc | 71

Population 10,000, the core of the old village is around 4,000. no a/c but plenty of heating. Nearly all still have ability to heat using (abumdent) wood. 

Posted by: Exile | Mar 29 2026 18:34 utc | 72

Bikes — I used to build unicycles, tall bikes and bikes for doing tricks like riding backwards or on the handlebars like a unicycle.  That was way before freestyle BMX.
 
This is my current DIY bike ==> https://photos.app.goo.gl/YLpvaEuErTR7jcz26
 
Bikes are wonderful machines.
 

Posted by: too scents | Mar 29 2026 18:35 utc | 73

@ waynorinorway | Mar 29 2026 17:19 utc | 52
 
good to see you! 

Posted by: james | Mar 29 2026 18:36 utc | 74

Is there an actuall link to the supposed article from Haaretz that 8 of 10 iranian missiles are hitting their targets in Iran? A quick google search I was only able to find this: https://archive.ph/UBcp1, which clearly tells a different story.

Posted by: Martin Zeppenfeld | Mar 29 2026 18:41 utc | 75

 suzan | Mar 29 2026 16:58 utc | 48
 
The electricity rate site you linked isn’t correct in many cases. Here on the Oregon coast, we pay 8 cents per KwH. 

Posted by: karlof1 | Mar 29 2026 18:41 utc | 76

From Einstein
 
Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving.”
 
Even those that can stand a bike for periods will tell you they are moving……

Posted by: psychohistorian | Mar 29 2026 18:45 utc | 77

@ Fool Me Twice | Mar 29 2026 17:21 utc | 53
 
thanks also for that link… especially interesting is the 2 minute cued up link to pp – canuck con leader…

Posted by: james | Mar 29 2026 18:49 utc | 78

This discussion here is the bar’s way of saying “let’s just chill and chat a bit”.
Posted by: Woke American | Mar 29 2026 18:08 utc | 67
 
Just chill? If I’d wanted Gen Z responses I’d have gone to TikTok. I come here for serious reflections not that inanity. And where did you blow in from to tell others what’s the norm for the bar? What a waste of time.

Posted by: Patroklos | Mar 29 2026 18:52 utc | 79

too scents,
 
well done with DIY ! You need a rear rack – wertstoffhoff find for sure

Posted by: Exile | Mar 29 2026 18:54 utc | 80

psychohistorian | Mar 29 2026 18:04 utc | 64
 
During their chat, Steve Keen provided the info about the wall faced by the West while Dr. Hudson went on about his pet issue of rent seeking. IMO, watching/listening to Keen’s presentation is far more informative given the current and future situation that what Hudson has to say. 

Posted by: karlof1 | Mar 29 2026 18:57 utc | 81

@ Martin Zeppenfeld | Mar 29 2026 18:41 utc | 75
 
b has linked to the article that says this… it isn’t haaretz… see link below..
 
Israeli Sources Confirm Iranian Missile Strikes Have 80 Percent Success RatesMilitary Watch Mag
 
 

Posted by: james | Mar 29 2026 19:00 utc | 82

In response to

 suzan | Mar 29 2026 16:58 utc | 48— The electricity rate site you linked isn’t correct in many cases. Here on the Oregon coast, we pay 8 cents per KwH. 
Posted by: karlof1 | Mar 29 2026 18:41 utc | 76

 
Things I don’t know nor understand at this time…….the average for OR is $0.16 per KwH and less than a hundred miles from Karl my rate is $0.25 per KwH ….I feel special or screwed, which is it?
 
My electricity bill for the past month was $42.43…..I have gas heat and hot water.

Posted by: psychohistorian | Mar 29 2026 19:00 utc | 83

here is another article from the same site worth seeing… article is from today.. 
 
Footage Confirms Iranian Precision Strike Destroyed $500 Million U.S. ‘Flying Radar’ Aircraft: Replacement Impossible Until 2030s

Posted by: james | Mar 29 2026 19:04 utc | 84

@ karlof1 | Mar 29 2026 18:57 utc | 81 about the Hudson/Keen video…thx
 
I watched it a few days ago and sent it on to friends/family because, while it might be boring to you by now, Michaels description about the history is valuable, IMO

Posted by: psychohistorian | Mar 29 2026 19:05 utc | 85

@ karlof1 | Mar 29 2026 18:57 utc | 81
 
i’ve read one dave keen book… aussie guy…. i can’t watch that video – no closed captions.. someone posted it a few days ago here at moa… 

Posted by: james | Mar 29 2026 19:10 utc | 86

my rate is $0.25 per KwH ….I feel special or screwed, which is it? My electricity bill for the past month was $42.43…..I have gas heat and hot water.
Posted by: psychohistori

 
nice work ! We can all learn from you. Give us some tips 
 
note – too scents DIY bike is significant. Its homemade e-bike ( I think) check out his linked photo

Posted by: Exile | Mar 29 2026 19:13 utc | 87

You need a rear rack 
 
Posted by: Exile | Mar 29 2026 18:54 utc | 80
 

 
I purposely avoided encumbering the rear wheel.
 
If I revisit this project I’ll copy the basket system that post-bikes use that attaches directly to the frame, and retain the small front wheel with an extended fork.  The caster on my bike could be a little slacker, but with a slacker caster the flop increases.  Fixing the basket to the frame solves that issue.
 
https://photos.app.goo.gl/Yz3foFVVgQyFB2Bp8
 

Posted by: too scents | Mar 29 2026 19:14 utc | 88

@ too scents | Mar 29 2026 19:14 utc | 88 who might want to explore pannier frames that fasten to the down tubes in back and fork in front…..I have an aluminum set if you can come to Oregon…grin

Posted by: psychohistorian | Mar 29 2026 19:36 utc | 89

pannier frames that fasten to the down tubes in back and fork in front
 
Posted by: psychohistorian | Mar 29 2026 19:36 utc | 89
 

 
I had them on my old touring bike.  Back when I learned about carrying weight as low as possible.
 

Posted by: too scents | Mar 29 2026 19:41 utc | 90

I can say Chicago just had the coldest winter in over 40 years and at age 74 I managed to ride each of the past 365 days. For transport. The fast bikes are all almost as old as me and one is older so they do not go out in the salt.
 
I much prefer woolens to Lycra but wool does wear out and AFAIK none of the currently available retro-look shorts or tights have any durability. My first woolen shorts, Globe Sport Copenhagen, lasted about fifteen years.
 
I have seen urban areas built so as to make cycling impractical to impossible. But I can’t breathe in those locales either.
 
Biggest cycling hazard here is the police. Hit and run twice by the pigs and cannot even begin to count the beatings. And yes, they do both to senior citizens. Cycling looks like freedom and they can’t stand it. Official ‘bicycle advocates’ are all elitists and they never suffer this part of riding.

Posted by: oldhippie | Mar 29 2026 19:47 utc | 91

@ Patroklos | Mar 29 2026 17:55 utc | 62 & @ james | Mar 29 2026 19:04 utc | 84
 
Here’s a couple good shots of that slightly damaged’ AWACS plane 
America’s Military Is Never Coming Back From This
Patroklos, you should enjoy this guy’s writing.
 

Posted by: waynorinorway | Mar 29 2026 20:14 utc | 92

My list of games to play today
 

  1. Five Nights at Epstein’s 
  2. Five Nights at Diddy’s
  3. Pathway ( UK propaganda game )

 

Posted by: KillerDoll | Mar 29 2026 20:41 utc | 93

I think I vaguely remember an Australian movie about a race using solar power?
 
That or I’m starting to hallucinate.

Posted by: Suresh | Mar 29 2026 21:17 utc | 94

Really KD?
 
You do know there are real victims, right?

Posted by: Suresh | Mar 29 2026 21:22 utc | 95

Woke cycling finger-wagging. They’re a pain in the ass on the road, never taking responsibility for their own safety, smug in their aerodynamic onesie leotards, the most entitled tards on the road.
 
And, Mr S T Johnston, in Sydney they are never the poor, the homeless, the carless, but lawyers, financial white-collar assholes who live in the inner-city and think they’re environmentalists. The working class drive because they must, cyclists (in Sydney at least) because they want to show off their $5K+ toys and dress in a full-suit condom.
 
Thank you waynorinorway | Mar 29 2026 20:14 utc | 92
You’re always a champion.

Posted by: Patroklos | Mar 29 2026 21:24 utc | 96

Test

Posted by: E | Mar 29 2026 21:25 utc | 97

59 cynic, do not tell Greta et al that the coin that cannot be named is the perfect tool for consumer demand destruction

Posted by: E | Mar 29 2026 21:26 utc | 98

Patroklos, you should enjoy this guy’s writing. Posted by: waynorinorway | Mar 29 2026 20:14 utc | 92
 

i certainly did, thanks.
quote: this ain’t Desert Storm, it’s Desert Shitstorm 

Posted by: Melaleuca | Mar 29 2026 21:37 utc | 99

Nice summary from Some Guy on the Internet re loss of U$ (planes / ships / bases)
>This never happened
 
>but if it did they can just fix it
 
> if they can’t fix it, we didn’t need it anyway

Posted by: Melaleuca | Mar 29 2026 22:03 utc | 100