Hi there, !
Today Mon 05/04/2020 Sun 05/03/2020 Sat 05/02/2020 Fri 05/01/2020 Thu 04/30/2020 Wed 04/29/2020 Tue 04/28/2020 Archives
Rantburg
533683 articles and 1861903 comments are archived on Rantburg.

Today: 72 articles and 364 comments as of 21:05.
Post a news link    Post your own article   
Area: WoT Operations    WoT Background    Non-WoT        Politix   
Southern Transitional Council declares self rule in Yemen
Today's Headlines
Headline Comments [Views]
Page 4: Opinion
2 07:33 M. Murcek [1] 
17 22:01 Whiskey Mike [12] 
0 [2] 
16 20:22 KBK [7] 
9 21:39 Lex [3] 
101 23:58 Dron66046 [10] 
3 08:33 Woodrow [12] 
Page 1: WoT Operations
6 21:37 Whiskey Mike [13]
0 [12]
2 07:49 AlanC [13]
0 [7]
0 [9]
2 23:37 gorb [12]
2 18:45 jpal [9]
0 [6]
1 03:06 g(r)omgoru [11]
0 [15]
0 [6]
0 [12]
0 [11]
0 [8]
0 [12]
0 [9]
3 17:55 b [9]
0 [6]
0 []
2 10:53 Skidmark [4]
5 08:42 Frank G [5]
1 08:51 Mercutio [15]
Page 2: WoT Background
0 [5]
4 05:08 g(r)omgoru [6]
22 21:26 Lex [2]
0 [3]
3 21:43 Lex [8]
0 [10]
6 12:46 AlanC [7]
1 18:14 Thaith Elmeresing6163 [13]
6 16:34 g(r)omgoru [8]
0 [7]
0 [7]
0 [3]
1 07:27 b [2]
4 12:54 AlanC [8]
2 07:13 Woodrow [8]
Page 3: Non-WoT
3 22:23 Clem [6]
2 12:41 M. Murcek [2]
2 09:24 M. Murcek [10]
9 23:33 Marilyn Tojo7566 [10]
4 14:20 Skidmark [4]
0 [4]
3 14:22 Skidmark [2]
6 11:57 bman [4]
9 14:59 g(r)omgoru [6]
3 22:21 Clem [11]
14 20:18 M. Murcek [6]
1 09:19 Besoeker [4]
1 20:53 DooDahMan [18]
12 12:57 Abu Uluque [5]
8 21:42 Lex [13]
5 17:15 Skidmark [14]
1 09:00 ruprecht [5]
1 08:38 Nguard [5]
3 22:53 SteveS [6]
6 21:58 Whiskey Mike [7]
Page 6: Politix
21 22:11 Whiskey Mike [17]
4 12:25 Frank G [9]
0 [5]
2 10:40 NoMoreBS [10]
10 20:22 Dron66046 [9]
0 [6]
8 15:49 newc [6]
6 20:24 KBK [8]
-Lurid Crime Tales-
Joe diGenova: Former FBI General Counsel James Baker Has Flipped and There's a Mole Inside the FBI
[Red State] Washington attorney Joe diGenova, a former U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, spoke to radio show host Howie Carr on Wednesday. Though the interview took place before Thursday night’s stunning release of FBI documents pertaining to Gen. Michael Flynn, he reported some fascinating new information about the Durham investigation.

DiGenova told Carr there is now a mole inside the FBI "who is leaking to the press about the current conduct of FBI Director Christopher Wray and his general counsel, Dana Boente.

"What’s very clear is according to two stories, one in The Federalist and one in The Daily Caller, diGenova said, "is someone inside the FBI is now whistleblowing by leaking to the press about what’s going on and boy, it is just fascinating to watch the claim that Chris Wray and Dana Boente did everything they could to prevent the stuff from the Missouri U.S. attorney from being given to Flynn’s attorney. That is the beginning of a very ugly story."

They discussed the nature of the documents which had been turned over to Sidney Powell last Friday, which we heard about last night. But diGenova said something I had not heard before. He said that Jeff Sessions was talked into recusing himself from the Trump/Russia collusion case by Dana Boente who was then-Acting Deputy Attorney General.

DiGenova remarked, "This story is like a Russian novel. I mean, this is Dostoyevsky, it’s even better than Dostoyevsky."
Posted by: Besoeker || 05/01/2020 01:32 || Comments || Link || [7 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Pff. THIS guy again. Always the harbinger of doom for traitors, and never any ropes.
Posted by: Thurong Whusomp1457 || 05/01/2020 1:51 Comments || Top||

#2  ^Hear, hear.
Posted by: g(r)omgoru || 05/01/2020 3:02 Comments || Top||

#3  If he's talking about shadowy, burrowing lawn and garden pests, he's probably correct.
Posted by: Besoeker || 05/01/2020 5:16 Comments || Top||

#4  "This story is like a Russian novel. I mean, this is Dostoyevsky, it’s even better than Dostoyevsky."

Can't be Crime and Punishment - were missing half.

More like The Idiots. With some Notes from Underground.

I am a sick man... I am an angry man. My liver hurts
Posted by: Lex || 05/01/2020 5:55 Comments || Top||

#5  Joe uses less pomade than Andrew Nap. Draw your own conclusions.
Posted by: M. Murcek || 05/01/2020 7:39 Comments || Top||

#6  Joe dropped a lot of names. Caught an America First Radio - Joe diGenova interview on youtumor.

Of course they took the channel down.
Posted by: Woodrow || 05/01/2020 7:39 Comments || Top||

#7  He's on Howie Carr's radio show every Monday afternoon. I like hearing from the guy but it's always more sizzle than steak, to borrow a cliché.
Posted by: Raj || 05/01/2020 8:40 Comments || Top||

#8  Victoria Toensing and Joe diGenova (married) are Michael Flynn's lawyers. They are uncovering much of the railroading of Flynn as well as the shtupping by Flynn's former lawyers (Covington, Eric Holder a partner). The two are, right now, about as well placed to as anyone in DC.
Posted by: Phusotle Dingle5823 || 05/01/2020 11:23 Comments || Top||

#9  More and more click bait but never any jail bait.
Posted by: Airandee || 05/01/2020 11:28 Comments || Top||

#10  #8 - I believe Sidney Powell is his atty doing all the hard work. She's a tough cookie
Posted by: Frank G || 05/01/2020 12:20 Comments || Top||

#11  Re pic: would you buy a used car from this man?
Posted by: g(r)omgoru || 05/01/2020 12:22 Comments || Top||

#12  I believe Sidney Powell is his atty

You are right. I don't why I confused Victoria with Sidney.
Posted by: Phusotle Dingle5823 || 05/01/2020 12:26 Comments || Top||

#13  his former atty's, Covington and Burling, will soon be Respondents in his Huuuuuge lawsuit
Posted by: Frank G || 05/01/2020 12:29 Comments || Top||

#14  "Dog ate my homework" probably won't fly...
Posted by: M. Murcek || 05/01/2020 12:39 Comments || Top||

#15  What did Zero know and when did he know it?
Put the bastard on the witness stand.
Nb Covington is Eric Holder's firm
Posted by: Lex || 05/01/2020 12:43 Comments || Top||

#16  So Sidney's married to Joe? Who knew?
Posted by: KBK || 05/01/2020 20:22 Comments || Top||


Dan Bongino on Flynn, it's worse than we thought
[Bongino Podcast] In this episode I address the astonishing new revelations in the FBI targeting scandal of General Mike Flynn. I also address the cowardice on the left, and their failure to address this grotesque violation of civil liberties.
Posted by: Besoeker || 05/01/2020 00:00 || Comments || Link || [12 views] Top|| File under:

#1  I would also like to address the failure of the current administration to bring any number of current and former Democrat apparatchiks to justice.
Posted by: Clem || 05/01/2020 0:31 Comments || Top||

#2  Speak for yourself Dan.
Posted by: g(r)omgoru || 05/01/2020 3:05 Comments || Top||

#3  Have to agree gromp. What is getting interesting area attached names being brought up. Even more, names added.

For instance, an asian(?) girl who had something to do with the presentation of all FISAs or typed them? Don't remember the details but folks like this, the expanding size of the web. To me at least is astounding.

One big turd in the pile is Judge Kennedy. His oversight of the corrupt FISA court shows an insight to his willingness to keep the process corrupt. Bringing up the necessity of his impeachment. I don't say that lightly.
Posted by: Woodrow || 05/01/2020 8:33 Comments || Top||


-Short Attention Span Theater-
YouTube Removing All Videos That Don't Begin With The Chinese National Anthem
[BabylonBee] "China is leading the world in not being evil," said Wojcicki in an interview as she showed off her new Chinese flag ankle tattoo. "They are, like, really good at human rights, and they have such a handsome president. It's only right that we acknowledge the great and glorious Red Dragon of the East in each and every video on our platform!"
Posted by: Matt || 05/01/2020 07:15 || Comments || Link || [1 views] Top|| File under:

#1  It's the Bee. However on that thought, it may be time for Barr to send a 'friendly' note to our Legacy Infotainment Enterprises about the law regarding registering as a representative or agent of a foreign power. Waddle like a duck, quack like a duck.....
Posted by: Procopius2k || 05/01/2020 7:25 Comments || Top||

#2  Yes, Wojcici probably has more room on zer upper gums than zer ankles for a tattoo.
Posted by: M. Murcek || 05/01/2020 7:33 Comments || Top||


-Signs, Portents, and the Weather-
Food Supply Issues Means U.S. Can No Longer Sustain Entire Country Being Morbidly Obese
[Babylon Bee] U.S.—As the shutdown of the entire country starts to affect the food supply chain, with meat processing plants and other businesses closing, there are now signs of a looming crisis. Researchers say that the U.S. may soon no longer have enough food to support the entire country's being morbidly obese.

"We’re already down to producing only enough food for five thousand calories per day per person," said nutrition expert Marc Ward. "If this trend continues, the country will simply not have enough food to sustain the extreme corpulence of every man, woman, and child. We can support everyone being a bit chubby, but that’s it."

Fear of this disaster has already caused the hoarding of Twinkies, Häagen-Dazs, and canned gravy. President Trump, though, is telling citizens not to worry. "No one is losing a single pound while I’m president," Trump promised. "If we have to, we’ll open up our National Nacho Cheese Sauce Reserve."

Still, Trump said that people may want to eat more cautiously until things are back to normal. "Like you might want to look at the recommended serving size on the back and actually only eat that amount," Trump said, holding up a bag of Cheetos. He then looked at the back. "Twenty-one pieces?! That’s not realistic. Okay, don’t eat more than three times the recommended serving size."
Posted by: Besoeker || 05/01/2020 05:02 || Comments || Link || [12 views] Top|| File under:

#1  The "morbidly obese" is a dead giveaway to the Bee.
Posted by: g(r)omgoru || 05/01/2020 5:13 Comments || Top||

#2  Being "morbidly obese" is a serious commitment and a full time job. A normal human being would be stressed by eating 12-15,000 calories a day.
Posted by: M. Murcek || 05/01/2020 5:52 Comments || Top||

#3  Ref #2: ...stressed by eating 12-15,000 calories a day.

We must continue to consume. If we don't use these gummit coupons Walmart will surely die. They cannot meet dividend growth targets selling Chinese junk alone.
Posted by: Besoeker || 05/01/2020 5:57 Comments || Top||

#4  Peak Junk Food!
Posted by: Clem || 05/01/2020 5:59 Comments || Top||

#5  O blithe Bee-spirit, if satire is easy to spot again, can Spring be far behind?

= maybe things are just starting to return to something resembling... normal?
Posted by: Lex || 05/01/2020 6:08 Comments || Top||

#6  Been meaning to try the "I ate nothing but Bugles™ for a month" diet.
Posted by: M. Murcek || 05/01/2020 6:09 Comments || Top||

#7  Yum, Bugles with Top the Tater onion dip.

Troubling thought of the day. When someone is so fat they can't reach their arsehole to wipe...
Posted by: Woodrow || 05/01/2020 7:31 Comments || Top||

#8  I just always wonder how a really fat person knows when the "business end" is actually over the bowl.
Posted by: M. Murcek || 05/01/2020 7:35 Comments || Top||

#9  ...well from the land of Sumo wrestlers comes your answer. I'm sure they'll get it classified as a ADA federally funded item soon.
Posted by: Procopius2k || 05/01/2020 7:37 Comments || Top||

#10  I can just imagine my toilet saying "you are cleared for final approach."
Posted by: M. Murcek || 05/01/2020 7:45 Comments || Top||

#11  If wax rings could talk.
Posted by: Besoeker || 05/01/2020 8:26 Comments || Top||

#12  Well that's $1 down. Thought sure this would be some wacko lefty professor. 8^(
Posted by: AlanC || 05/01/2020 8:30 Comments || Top||

#13  If wax rings could groan.
Posted by: M. Murcek || 05/01/2020 8:38 Comments || Top||

#14  The sad thing is being obese means you are more likely to die if you catch Covid, and now would be a really good time to encourage weight loss (instead of the gain most people will take on because of the isolation) but nobody has the courage to say so.
Posted by: ruprecht || 05/01/2020 9:21 Comments || Top||

#15  Agreed. Let's close every park and beach and trail where people might get some exercise. Yep: That's the ticket.
Posted by: Lex || 05/01/2020 9:33 Comments || Top||

#16  Obesity is a life choice. It's not "hormones" or "living in a food desert." Some people want to sit on their asses and cram stuff in their mouths. An Andy Warhol style fast forward movie of the life of an average morbidly obese person would be hard to watch.
Posted by: M. Murcek || 05/01/2020 9:36 Comments || Top||

#17  I think, truth.
Posted by: Whiskey Mike || 05/01/2020 22:01 Comments || Top||


All Of The Coronavirus Models Were Wrong
[EndOfTheAmericanDream] How is it possible that all of the coronavirus models could have been so completely and utterly wrong about what was going to happen?
Given that the Chinese lied about all sorts of things, amplified by the pliant officials at the World Health Organization, it was not possible for the models to have been right at the beginning.
Very early in this pandemic, some models that were predicting millions of deaths caused quite a bit of panic all over the globe. In fact, a projection done by researchers at the Imperial College of London warned that 40 million people could die from COVID-19 this year alone. Obviously that estimate was dead wrong, and it has become quite clear that this pandemic is not an "end of the world" scenario. But on the other extreme, there have been a lot of models that were forecasting a relatively low death toll, and those models have been proven to be completely wrong as well....
It is not reasonable to expect a model to perfectly predict the future. Models are merely hypotheses expressed in numeric formulas instead of words, awaiting the repeated test of reality to 1) see if they are true, and 2) see how much they need to be modified to more closely resemble reality. g(r)omgoru has talked about the important thing is getting the shape of the curve right, not its exact dimensions.
Posted by: Clem || 05/01/2020 00:00 || Comments || Link || [10 views] Top|| File under:

#1  This all starts with the Chinese and their lies, and the stooges they use in the press and UN (WHO). Models may have been right, but they were fed faulty data and based on faulty assumptions thanks to the Chinese disinformation, so we have the results of Garbage In, Garbage Out.

The Chinese must be made to pay.
Posted by: Marilyn Tojo7566 || 05/01/2020 1:24 Comments || Top||

#2  Thanks, TW.

There are several issues here.
(a) Chinese lies and ripoffs.
(b) Willingness to act quickly and decisively.
(c) Civilization vs MBAs.
(d) Drawing the right conclusions.

(a) There can be no argument that China deliberately infected the rest of the world, and then attempted (largely successfully) to profit from the tragedy. Moreover, it profited by flogging defective products - which killed people.

(b) We've seen that countries like Italy & France, who started by not taking the problem seriously, had a lot more death at the beginning than Germany. They've recovered and now doing as well as anybody else.

Which brings us to the next factor.

(c) Places which tried to "minimize economic impact", like UK & Holland suffered grievously - until they gave it up. Their economies still will be more damaged than German (or Israeli). If we exclude NYC - for which there ought to be a reckoning, we see that countries that went into lockdown early had a lot less casualties - and, on the long run - a lot less damage to the economy, than countries who listened to economists. It is like war. These who concentrate on the essentials win*.

(d) Drawing the right conclusions means preparing for the future. In Israel we're building separate hospitals/hospital wings for infectious diseases. In USA they send hospital ships away - instead of sending non-CV19 patients (whom Lex constantly mentions) to them and bulldozing the temp hospitals that Army Corps of Engineers build for them. Are you people brain-dead? Can't you see further than the end of the current quarter?

*A few concluding remarks. Here we hear a lot of staff about
(1) But my business, my business!
(2) But my freedom, my freedom! The constitution!
(3) Millions of young people lose their future!

(1) Business, IMO, is like sex. Just because you're horny (wanna be rich) doesn't make you a Don Juan (successful businessman). To get any, you need some special skills (😊). We read every day about businesses that changed and adapted to lockdown. You can't change & adapt - go and be a salaryman.

(2) If a government wants to take away your liberties, it doesn't need CV19 - change your government instead of throwing childish tantrums.
Definitely, don't insult readers, with "reasoned arguments" like this article. "The models were wrong because 1/4 million people didn't die!" You want 1/4 million of your countrymen dead - no problem - just proclaim that the emergency is over.

(3) Really? How? All the educational institutions are closed - so all the students are at the same disadvantage (I'm talking to you Lex). On the contrary, these who use the time to study will have a huge advantage over these who played computer games and jerked off.
Not to mention that, a lot, of these kids shouldn't be in college in the first place - it won't improve their employment prospects any. Just put their parents in debt. These who use the time to reflect and, maybe, change their life-course will benefit.
Posted by: g(r)omgoru || 05/01/2020 2:59 Comments || Top||

#3  The concept of GIGO implies that the thing taking the input can't possibly make things worse. Another computer science acronym is MUNG, or mashed until no good. To aver none of the models could possibly be bad is Panglossian.
Posted by: M. Murcek || 05/01/2020 5:26 Comments || Top||

#4 
Posted by: g(r)omgoru || 05/01/2020 5:33 Comments || Top||

#5  Yawn. World's divided into people who take The Princess Bride as a life philosophy an everybody else.
Posted by: M. Murcek || 05/01/2020 5:37 Comments || Top||

#6  People live their lives according to Star Wars too. More's the pity.
Posted by: M. Murcek || 05/01/2020 5:40 Comments || Top||

#7  Please note the guy posting PB video likes to call people he disagrees with "childish." Just sayin'...
Posted by: M. Murcek || 05/01/2020 5:48 Comments || Top||

#8  If somebody told me I'm going to miss Herb ...
Posted by: g(r)omgoru || 05/01/2020 5:49 Comments || Top||

#9  The pyramid of hierarchical needs is standing by.
Posted by: Besoeker || 05/01/2020 5:52 Comments || Top||

#10  Who are these "MBAs" and Why Do They Hate Civilization?

In the Pyramid of Evil, do "MBAs" land above or below white supremacist Necropoliticians?
Posted by: Lex || 05/01/2020 6:48 Comments || Top||

#11  Abstract thought is an essential component of human intelligence. But it's not the only component.
Posted by: M. Murcek || 05/01/2020 6:54 Comments || Top||

#12  The problem isn't that the models were wrong, they're always wrong. At best they can only provide parenthetical guidelines. The real problem is the imbecile governing class that A) takes them literally and B) goes on the find the most dire version, the better to increase their 'temporary' power.
Posted by: Cesare || 05/01/2020 7:18 Comments || Top||

#13  Everybody is learning something from this mess. It will come down to which people make the most of what they have learned.
Posted by: M. Murcek || 05/01/2020 7:25 Comments || Top||

#14  Important to note that the gummint will always look to magic numbers stooges to justify their actions. That should always be a red flag.
Posted by: M. Murcek || 05/01/2020 7:27 Comments || Top||

#15  What Cesare said.

The imbecile governing class had actual, empirical data available to them in March - data which, it turns out, almost exactly predicted the case fatality rate were now seeing in country after country. Any competent approach would have begun with and been bounded within the actual, sound, validated data set.

Instead they chose to ignore this actual data in favor of making policy based on not just hypothetical data but the most ridiculously pessimistic doomsday hypothetical.
Posted by: Lex || 05/01/2020 8:02 Comments || Top||

#16  And hear them talking about "the science"...these politicians are just sick.
Posted by: Clem || 05/01/2020 8:13 Comments || Top||

#17  Murcek screw the movie. It's a great line and at this time very apropo.

Social makeup can quantified mathematically. Deepdive demographics and Nielsen data which displays folks real daily living habbits..

It's not stratified stats, think more of a 3d chessboard.
Posted by: Woodrow || 05/01/2020 8:16 Comments || Top||

#18  /\ Their lack of knowledge isn't limited to science and medicine. Please add economics, diplomacy, finance, military affairs, education, and agriculture.
Posted by: Besoeker || 05/01/2020 8:18 Comments || Top||

#19  Expecting measured choices from a politician? Really? And you know the "experts" were asked "what's the worst case scenario?" and they whipped out their pre-printed exponential curve graph.
Posted by: M. Murcek || 05/01/2020 8:18 Comments || Top||

#20  Nielsen data. Charming. I don't have a TV or a land line phone. So basically I don't exist. I'm good with that, actually.
Posted by: M. Murcek || 05/01/2020 8:23 Comments || Top||

#21  It was clear very early that this thing is lethal to the elderly and poses next to no risk to non-elderly.

The relevant 'exponential' that should have guided policy is the exponential increase in risk as one goes from under-70 to the 70s, 80s and 90+ age brackets. Nursing homes and those who work with the elderly, or those who interact with elderly relatives and neighbors should have been our focus.
Posted by: Lex || 05/01/2020 8:29 Comments || Top||

#22  Demographic stats still pending. I can't imagine why.
Posted by: Besoeker || 05/01/2020 8:32 Comments || Top||

#23  Finally, one of the smarter mainstream business journalists is giving some attention to Stanford epidemiologist Dr. John Ioannidis.

It was Ioannidis - an expert in not just epidemiology but also debunking crap studies and bogus statistical claims - who on March 17 called bullshit on the misuse of these ridiculous models.
Posted by: Lex || 05/01/2020 8:40 Comments || Top||

#24  There is a reason people look at pr0n but have no interest in mathematical models of pr0n.
Posted by: M. Murcek || 05/01/2020 8:43 Comments || Top||

#25  CDC also FOHM in Sweden break out by age bracket. It's been obvious from day 1 of reporting deaths that this disease overwhelmingly is one that afflicts the elderly.

Nearly every observed spike in deaths, in every geography, has been due to some kind of screwup involving one or more nursing homes.
Posted by: Lex || 05/01/2020 8:44 Comments || Top||

#26  If it's a matter of stripping out numbers, minus New York the US is down around #13 in death rate per 100k
Posted by: M. Murcek || 05/01/2020 8:48 Comments || Top||

#27  Are you people brain-dead? Can't you see further than the end of the current quarter?

Isn't it lovely to wake up in the morning, enjoy that first cup of coffee and see g(r)om lecturing us again and generally be an asshole? Way to go, pal.
Posted by: Raj || 05/01/2020 9:00 Comments || Top||

#28  But he whips out Princess Bride. You have a heart of stone to ignore that...
Posted by: M. Murcek || 05/01/2020 9:02 Comments || Top||

#29  Or maybe adult tastes.
Posted by: M. Murcek || 05/01/2020 9:05 Comments || Top||

#30  The Bloomberg editorial linked in #23 is thought-provoking and well-balanced. May it receive wider circulation.
Posted by: Bobby || 05/01/2020 9:05 Comments || Top||

#31  ^I endeavor to give satisfaction.
Posted by: g(r)omgoru || 05/01/2020 9:08 Comments || Top||

#32  McNamara's magic numbers cultism gave us Viet Nam and propelled the Pentagon into the ME forever wars. Such a deal.
Posted by: M. Murcek || 05/01/2020 9:10 Comments || Top||

#33  I was involved with constructing and analyzing computer models for 30 years.

The one thing that is rarely mentioned is that models and their data can be tuned to return the desired results. See gerbil worming for the most egregious examples. "Scientists" and politicians will always find what they want.
Posted by: AlanC || 05/01/2020 9:34 Comments || Top||

#34  Ding, Ding, DING. We have a winner. G(r)im will be along to say you are childish in 3-2-1...
Posted by: M. Murcek || 05/01/2020 9:39 Comments || Top||

#35  Comment 33 wraps back around to comment 3. Mathematical model there somewhere. Or childish Ness. Or both...
Posted by: M. Murcek || 05/01/2020 9:42 Comments || Top||

#36  How bout 737 Max computer models? How many times do you imagine they were reworked until management was happy?
Posted by: M. Murcek || 05/01/2020 9:49 Comments || Top||

#37  If you only can remember one thing, it's this: When someone says "everything can be reduced to math," say "fuck off."
Posted by: M. Murcek || 05/01/2020 10:15 Comments || Top||

#38  Videos featuring Stanford epidemiologist Dr. John Ioannidis, interviewed last week here and again here
Posted by: Lex || 05/01/2020 11:37 Comments || Top||

#39  In the past everyone knew models weren't great but they could help. Then they put all bets on the Global Warming models and the models became the WORD OF GOD.
Posted by: rjschwarz || 05/01/2020 12:20 Comments || Top||

#40  Math is one way we try to understand God's Creation. Goedel pointed out - mathematically - that it was not completely up to the task.
Posted by: M. Murcek || 05/01/2020 12:26 Comments || Top||

#41  ^ Fascinating interview with Dr. John Ioannidis on why "90% of biomedical research is flawed."
Posted by: Lex || 05/01/2020 12:40 Comments || Top||

#42  A question for the "math is truth" crowd. When NASA says they have discovered a habitable planet hundreds of light years away, do you believe it? Do you believe in "dark matter" and / or "dark energy" because those conjectures are necessary to keep the current picture of cosmology from breaking?
Posted by: M. Murcek || 05/01/2020 12:47 Comments || Top||

#43  If somebody told me I'm going to miss Herb ...
Posted by g(r)omgoru


Perhaps grom is the new Herb...
Posted by: Vespasian Ebboting9735 || 05/01/2020 13:24 Comments || Top||

#44  re: #33 and discussion.

We all know GIGO what we can't always determine is who delivered the garbage. Models can be extremely helpful when you're just looking to understand something.

It's when people try to use them as proof, or evidence that it all goes to hell.

Most bureaucratic "mistakes" are only mistakes if you know what they meant to happen. Occam's razor assumes good/moral/ethical intent.
Posted by: AlanC || 05/01/2020 14:17 Comments || Top||

#45  Civilization vs MBAs.

Huh?

The only thing you got right was not everyone understands business. The other thing you don't seem to understand is that your second half is pushing people like myself from the 'yah, good idea to bunker down for a bit' into the fukoff models group. More on that in a bit, because everyone deserves to know why they got a C- even without the deductions for flippy on a serious topic.

Models are guides. That's why they are called models. They are a tool for making decisions, not an end to decision making.

Since this is a new virus, it needs a new data set, so at first the trend line is going to vary quite a bit especially with outliers. The model is only as good as the variables involved and their accuracy.

The models did work in showing how quickly this thing could spread, but it needed the human element to consider holiday season so the spread will be even faster. The historically proven method of quarantine was the right call at the time.

The problem is interpreting the data. Too many were taking the daily totals as current events, when in fact deaths were at up to weeks in the past exposure, and likely much longer for those tested positive with no symptoms. It was good for a while, but all it did was tell us where it had been.

Models for predicting deaths I think receive good marks, because you plan for the worse, the rounding up is fine.

Then the policy makers started using their own models. Gaaakh. We out here in rural Kansas received failing grades because we travel too much, which the city folk did better because if they traveled at all, it was only like a mile.

Anyone see what the problem with this model is? It was used to set policy, indeed as part of the case for trying to cancel Easter.

So when Governor Lucy van Pelt comes out and says 4 more weeks according to the model. I ask, which model? An honest, current, up to day model would include statistics such as ethnicity, income level, vocation, personal diet such as vegetarian, religion, previous medical conditions, drug use, weight height body mass index, primary mode of transportation, we can get an idea of the behaviors and habits of those who don't get sick, who do and fight it, who does and requires hospital, and who it kills. Then we can trade the shovel for a scalpel, and let people back to work, or go see grandma, go to services, all those things which affect moral.

If you've read anything about sieges, you know that people can put up with quite a bit, but as soon as moral breaks, it is over.

But that won't happen. Can't just wall off Harlem, any other group without outrageous howling and civil disobedience. The policy makers will hold up the old, out of date model as justification for their Flu Chic du Jour, like closing the entire coastline of California to the law abiding folks. Or ending rent.

Or calling business owners the enemy of civilization when you, in your own words, explain in detail absolute ignorance of the private sector.
Posted by: swksvolFF || 05/01/2020 15:42 Comments || Top||

#46  The only thing you got right was not everyone understands business

What about womanizing?😎

Then the policy makers started using their own models.

Which, except (maybe) for Trump, has nothing to do with epidemiology. I'm not saying they're right. I'm just disturbed by the fanaticism some
(previously OK cobbers) around here showed (and I'm not talking about Murcek - who's a very special case).

Look comrade (it's May 1), the model I use is really simple if the daily infection rate goes up, it's not time to go out & mix. Herd immunity, sans vaccine, is bullsh*t.
And so is the assumption that CV19 only kills old, sick people. We don't know how many variants there are. And we don't know they always go for the lungs.
The only, for sure, thing we know is that Chinese who are not even a bit sentimental - Xi wouldn't give a f*ck if half the old people in China died - keep imposing lockdowns on various of their cities. You figure it out.

calling business owners the enemy of civilization

I said "Civilization vs MBA". If you run a business, you know they're enemies of business. They destroy businesses. They're the ones who sent your industry to China. They're the ones who induce efficiency: "lets fire all the old workers because new ones cost less per". "You only use this machine for a product that's 5% of your sales - lets sell it". "move, move, move the inventories!"

Posted by: g(r)omgoru || 05/01/2020 16:21 Comments || Top||

#47  So. Live and die by magic numbers is good if you are the magician. In my special way, I get that.
Posted by: M. Murcek || 05/01/2020 17:13 Comments || Top||

#48  There are very good MBAs who bring a lot of value to their companies. As with anything in life it's about being open minded rather than a hide bound idealogue.
Posted by: M. Murcek || 05/01/2020 17:19 Comments || Top||

#49  And since we need movie references to be real, I go with Leo's answer to Giovanni Gasparro.
Posted by: M. Murcek || 05/01/2020 17:30 Comments || Top||

#50  Goddamn, I love you guys. Scholars all.
So passionate and articulate, and well 'read' (if the web fount and talking spouts can be considered an equivalent knowledge transfer).

So many dancing angels, but the Turks are at the gate.
Posted by: Skidmark || 05/01/2020 17:36 Comments || Top||

#51  And given how the turks are doing in Libya (and in NY, MI and CA) I like our chances.
Posted by: M. Murcek || 05/01/2020 17:40 Comments || Top||

#52  You can't argue with a parrot, Skid.
Posted by: g(r)omgoru || 05/01/2020 17:43 Comments || Top||

#53  Squwak!
Posted by: M. Murcek || 05/01/2020 17:46 Comments || Top||

#54  Topic C, clause 1
Besides the fact that if only the Don Juans are successful, they should be treasured.

Its more like rifle training. Anyone willing to learn can be trained up to Successful Business Model. That is why there are MBAs, McDonald's University, so forth. The ones who don't make it, usually it is a personality issue - my way or the highway, large turnover due to personality issues, unable to turn over critical duties to more qualified individuals due to ego, don't have the guts to let go a poison empoloyee, and most importantly not recognizing they are not experts in everything and fail to fill that gap.

There is a little back and forth story in the trade industries. "Why do I pay you so much if you are done in only an hour?" "Because I spent years learning how to do this and do it right. But go ahead, hire someone at half the hourly, watch it take three times as long, and fail way before it is supposed to."

These non-essential business, unrightfully called, are crewed by people with a passion for arts and humanities, hair styling, wedding planning, Holy Scripture, food and entertainment, athletic coaches with a penchant turning high school kids into successful athletes. Telling them to stuff their talents and dreams, go to vo-tec and learn to code, and draw a salary is not just unrealistic it is incredibly disingenuous.

Clause 2
We may not be an olde country, but we are young enough to remember why we are here. Death to Tyrants wasn't a slogan, it was a lifestyle. The more modern Venezuelan era version is "You can vote your way into socialism, but you have to shoot your way out. And one of my favorites, "As soon as you stop leaving Egypt, you start going back." And the ever appropriate, "If your enemy is telling you who they are, listen."

So when the sloganeering of, "Never let a crises go to waste." is said, we listen. When "Cancel the rent." is floated, we take pause. When business activities are struck down at a word, we understand that currently labeled essential businesses can be shuttered at a whim.

The Constitution is a legally binding contract between governance and citizens. To break that contract at whim goes against any other legally bound contract, including pay by salary, or a loan, or renter habitation, would never fly. It is the secular mercantile version of Mandate of Heaven, which includes right of property, right to the freedom to exchange ideas, right to not have government agents in your pants at all times.

Clause 3
Family farm foreclosing - check
College Fund tapped - check
Insurmountable debt - check
Devaluation of the Dollar - check
Entry level jobs shuttered - check
Trained to be an athletic or stage entertainer - check

The ambitions of those young adults should be cultivated. It is also a bulwark against the Me First! trend and is the investment of our culture, and takes care and time to fruit.

*reads 46*
Posted by: swksvolFF || 05/01/2020 17:59 Comments || Top||

#55  Death to Tyrants wasn't a slogan, it was a lifestyle.

As Manco said, "Bravo..."
Posted by: M. Murcek || 05/01/2020 18:06 Comments || Top||

#56  #54 Don't see any relation to my post, CV19, or the price of peanuts in Perch.
Posted by: g(r)omgoru || 05/01/2020 18:09 Comments || Top||

#57  It's always about you. I think most here have that figured out.
Posted by: M. Murcek || 05/01/2020 18:13 Comments || Top||

#58  Are there those profiteers, yes. Those are the Big Boys. I'm talking the Little Man. Without getting into political ploys, taxes, so forth driving their business models, those are executive decisions not toil and trouble mid management MBAs, though the corporate culture may attract them.

They looked at those economic and cultural models and said, "Yeah, Miley Cyrus earrings would be great Made in China." Or the poisoned pet food. Or shit drywall and plywood. Or our latest nomenclature PPE equipment. What are those conditions, except ultimately it is the consumer who chooses that service.

This is getting outside of business practice and into business philosophy, an important distinction.

I just don't like the idea that the volunteer businesses are OK to cull because Big Box is Too Big to Fail; turning a generation of Diners, Drive-In, and Dives into McRib Delivery Drivers sucks.

And some things can't be outsourced or telescreened, like a good haircut or steak diane. I can't speak or anyone else, but I sure perform a lot better when I'm happy.
Posted by: swksvolFF || 05/01/2020 18:22 Comments || Top||

#59  My house was built in 1961. Cinderblock. No chinee mould bearing drywall. My insurance agent actually smiled when he mentioned it.
Posted by: M. Murcek || 05/01/2020 18:27 Comments || Top||

#60  But I'm a parrot living in Florida not watching children's movies. An all around loser.
Posted by: M. Murcek || 05/01/2020 18:28 Comments || Top||

#61  Please note I'm discussing my circumstances, not crowing about my wonderful self compared to other Commenters here. Childish bastid that I am...
Posted by: M. Murcek || 05/01/2020 18:32 Comments || Top||

#62  SW gets it. Individuals are the marrow of the human race. Herd whatever is not the solution, the savior or the be all.
Posted by: M. Murcek || 05/01/2020 18:43 Comments || Top||

#63  56
For thread's sake I'll reiterate and expand.

Unleashing x number of people who have not been infected into the wild will cause problems medically. That said, the people who have not been exposed are the one's who did follow the rules and are quite aware of the risks. Your good business operators should be understanding of their employees and their situations as those small operators spend more time with their employees than their own families. Obviously, making your customers sick is not in the Better Business Model, and it takes years to build client trust and that can be ruined at a moment's poor decision making.

Which brings me back to the topic at hand - models are helpful in decision making yet only a tool in the whole box. When releasing pressure from a dam, don't just open the gates, it has to be a bit gradual or else those downstream might be a bit surprised. On those who are downstream, be aware the gates are opening and take appropriate precautions.

Dancing on the pin indeed. Let us also imagine a global civil strife of ten years.
Posted by: swksvolFF || 05/01/2020 18:48 Comments || Top||

#64  #56 I just don't like the idea that the volunteer businesses are OK to cull because Big Box is Too Big to Fail; turning a generation of Diners, Drive-In, and Dives into McRib Delivery Drivers sucks.

I don't understand what do you mean by "volunteer"? Small?

Big business model been taking over for a long time. CV19 has nothing to do with it. Around here, CV19 was actually good for grocery stores and green grocers - because they improvised supply chains without asking approval of the head office.

I surmise, perhaps incorrectly, that you're unhappy with your society and perceive quarantine measures as the last straw. Too bad. Because CV19 is real - it's not something Fauci & Bill Gates* invented. Just stop looking at USA and look what happens in say Europe. See that different countries did and how it works out. And remember what I told you about China - if CV19 was only killing old people, you'd never hear a peep out of China.

*If you going to accuse Bill Gates of being a evil mastermind, why not accuse him of sending subliminal message via Windows? 😊
Posted by: g(r)omgoru || 05/01/2020 18:48 Comments || Top||

#65  Because Bill Gates wrote no Windows code and has been off the board for years?
Posted by: M. Murcek || 05/01/2020 18:50 Comments || Top||

#66  But I'm a parrot, not an expert.
Posted by: M. Murcek || 05/01/2020 18:51 Comments || Top||

#67  The Chinabug is very real. What the oligarchy has leveraged it into is very real too. Neither one is good for humanity, but Belshazzar's wizards won't have the last word this time either.
Posted by: M. Murcek || 05/01/2020 18:55 Comments || Top||

#68  why not accuse him of sending subliminal message via Windows?

Who used the BSOD to train the world that complacence was acceptable and massive system failure was easily redeemable?
Posted by: Skidmark || 05/01/2020 18:59 Comments || Top||

#69  I'm sure every keystroke is monitored. With any luck, policy makers take a trip here.

I live in Tornado Country, Wildfire Country, following weather forecasts is my duty, even if just a volunteer firefighter (who make up some 75% of all fire fighters in the country, and are trained to a level including Haz-Mat). I watch those models be consistently wrong to the joke that weatherman is the only profession where they can be right 25% of the time and keep their job.

Shit, didn't even get today's weather right. "Oh, but the Spring Trend is warm and moist." Yeah, did that take into effect Krakatoa? "Well, no." Model is invalid then.
Posted by: swksvolFF || 05/01/2020 19:04 Comments || Top||

#70  Um, using a new build of Win 10 every week (Windows Insider Program) Haven't had a crash screen in two years.
Posted by: M. Murcek || 05/01/2020 19:06 Comments || Top||

#71  But I'm a conspiracy monger.
Posted by: M. Murcek || 05/01/2020 19:07 Comments || Top||

#72  Don't know what your phone is, SW, but MyRadar is fantastic on Windows and Android.
Posted by: M. Murcek || 05/01/2020 19:11 Comments || Top||

#73  All I know is that about 3 months ago my speaker system started broadcasting live discussion with about a 3 second delay.
Posted by: swksvolFF || 05/01/2020 19:15 Comments || Top||

#74  Which brings me back to the topic at hand - models are helpful in decision making yet only a tool in the whole box.

Lets not go into general description of models. Lets assume that you're talking about one specific model SIR with different parameter values - and actually mean different numerical outcomes.
I'm not going to discuss why SIR model is bull (cause it's like a car without differential). But it does predict some things. It predicts that in a virgin field (look it up at the link) the number of infected increases exponentially. So, quarantine. NYC is terrible, yes - because De Blasio is a moron. Other places would be as bad if they didn't declare quarantine in time. As I said, look outside USA to get the picture.
Don't assume that it's a fake crisis. And that everybody who disagrees with you is a villain.
And don't assume that the crisis have passed - it's just starting.
Posted by: g(r)omgoru || 05/01/2020 19:15 Comments || Top||

#75  And it's free. Bill Gates, Fauci and the UN don't make a dime off it. So it might be subversive too.
Posted by: M. Murcek || 05/01/2020 19:18 Comments || Top||

#76  #68 Please don't forget to give me credit when you disseminate this theory - plagiarism (unless I do it) is a sin!
Posted by: g(r)omgoru || 05/01/2020 19:19 Comments || Top||

#77  It's the end of the world as we know it....
Posted by: M. Murcek || 05/01/2020 19:22 Comments || Top||

#78  I laughed, the campfire laughed, the computer laughed.

It is taken seriously as a storm front, especially this time of year. If people are will to risk three critical failures on a d20 to live, ok then.

Just taking a pulse.
Posted by: swksvolFF || 05/01/2020 19:23 Comments || Top||

#79 
Posted by: M. Murcek || 05/01/2020 19:28 Comments || Top||

#80  Stranix says, "Oh discipline is just out the window here."
Posted by: M. Murcek || 05/01/2020 19:32 Comments || Top||

#81  Now, to be fair, I am not trying to disparage. What is great about Rantbug, myself excluded, is the number of experts in their field.

I love Rantburg as a forum for ideas, not a debate club.

Yes, NYC is a shit outlier.
Posted by: swksvolFF || 05/01/2020 20:03 Comments || Top||

#82 
I understand what's going on, the manic urge to ward off approaching shackles, because the deepState will only see this as a chance to expand their scope. But the darn thing is still real. Economy or no economy, it has changed life as we know it, indefinitely.

Work-arounds shall have to be thought up, by smart guys and gals. Real economists and advisors, and not academic despots will be trusted (hopefully). Any mistakes made will be suffered by large sections of society that elected errant policy makers; also those communities that cannot live circumspectly or abide by simple rules. With some luck, (and by design if you're a bastard like me) the majority of the victim demographic should be leftists, crims and illegals. Darwin will assert himself. But we must be around to pick up the spoils.

Now, as I understand, most industrious, self-employed people, artisans and small-scale businessmen there would be Conservatives, or Republican supporting ? I think it would in their best interest to only gradually open up; while everyone works tirelessly at evolving some no-contact business and work models, because this thing will take time. Also, individuals and families will absolutely have to learn to save money, and invest what they save intelligently. This may bring some banking sense and reduce the dependence and indulgence in debt ? I say this only in the American context, of course.

I don't know nothing about economics really, and this sort of thing I've never seen. Just another opinionated buffoon here.
Posted by: Dron66046 || 05/01/2020 20:07 Comments || Top||

#83  I'm reminded of the Monty Python sketch where "Hilter" is giving a speech and a well dressed guy elbows the man next to him and says "He's right, you know..."
Posted by: M. Murcek || 05/01/2020 20:09 Comments || Top||

#84  I didn't mean that to refer to comment #82 which is completely correct.
Posted by: M. Murcek || 05/01/2020 20:11 Comments || Top||

#85  82
Everyone who runs a business understands the bottom line. Those who don't are operating a hobby.
Posted by: swksvolFF || 05/01/2020 20:30 Comments || Top||

#86  Imagining g--- touching himself while watching Frozen...

Let It Go, m.
Posted by: Lex || 05/01/2020 21:28 Comments || Top||

#87  JESUS FUCKING CHRIST M. Murcek! Get a grip man! This is not the end of the world! So you don't like grom, or are 'very peeved atm'; he can be very annoying and pedantic to the point of chaffingly irritating, but just stop this monomaniacal crap. Please. Politely requested. BOTH were, pre in-house arrest, informative, interesting, and worth reading comment wise. Now???

So, having given MM and grom both something new to chew on, namely me, guys I don't care and I really don't give a f**k if they spend all their time chewing on me, MAYBE we can move on? Maybe they can shrug it off.
Posted by: Whiskey Mike || 05/01/2020 21:55 Comments || Top||

#88  :)
Posted by: Whiskey Mike || 05/01/2020 21:57 Comments || Top||

#89  Gentlemen, we salute yourrr strrrength, yourrr courrrage, yourrr indefatigibility!

Posted by: Lex || 05/01/2020 22:13 Comments || Top||

#90  Grom can be pedantic and chaffingly irritating ?

Then I probably stick in the craw like an infernal doodad !☺

Wow, that's 90 comments. Has something ever gone to 100 ? Hell, I'm sure it has.
Posted by: Dron66046 || 05/01/2020 23:45 Comments || Top||

#91  HAHAHAHAHAHAHA
Posted by: Whiskey Mike || 05/01/2020 23:46 Comments || Top||

#92  Ah, push it
Ah, push it
Posted by: Whiskey Mike || 05/01/2020 23:51 Comments || Top||

#93  Oooh, baby, baby
Baby, baby
Oooh, baby, baby
Baby, baby
Posted by: Whiskey Mike || 05/01/2020 23:52 Comments || Top||

#94  Get up on this!
Ow! Baby!
Salt and Pepa's here!
Posted by: Whiskey Mike || 05/01/2020 23:53 Comments || Top||

#95  Almost there now.
Posted by: Dron66046 || 05/01/2020 23:55 Comments || Top||

#96  Now push it
Ah, push it, push it good
Posted by: Whiskey Mike || 05/01/2020 23:55 Comments || Top||

#97  Ah, push it, push it real good
Ah, push it, push it good
Posted by: Whiskey Mike || 05/01/2020 23:55 Comments || Top||

#98  Ah, push it, p-push it real good
Hey! Ow!
Posted by: Whiskey Mike || 05/01/2020 23:56 Comments || Top||

#99  Push it good!
Oooh, baby, baby
Baby, baby
Oooh, baby, baby
Posted by: Whiskey Mike || 05/01/2020 23:57 Comments || Top||

#100  Baby, baby
Push it good
Push it real good
Ah, push it
Ah, push it
Yo, yo, yo, yo, baby-pop…
Posted by: Whiskey Mike || 05/01/2020 23:58 Comments || Top||

#101  Say, does anybody remember that Johnny cash song about the Man, '...coming round, takin' names...'

That's what keeps playing in my mind when i see the news.

'...And He decides who ♪ to free and who to blame. Everybody ♪ won't be treated all the same ' ♫
Posted by: Dron66046 || 05/01/2020 23:58 Comments || Top||


Economy
Israel must reopen carefully to avoid fresh outbreak
Prof. Ronni Gamzu is the CEO of Sourasky Medical Center in Tel Aviv
[YNet] - I am no politician nor am I a doom-laden pundit of the coronavirus crisis (in fact, I have even been called a soothing presence).

I did not subscribe to the assumption thousands would have to be treated in makeshift wards in parking lots, since I believed that while there would be a tsunami of coronavirus patients, it would be a small wave not a tidal wave.

I helped inform the decision-makers by reassuring them that there was no need for angst over a shortage of hospital beds and ventilators. Concentrate on the economy and society, I said, and find a balance between the two.

The government's decision to partially reopen the economy is the right choice, even though we are setting a world record in doing so despite the daily number of new cases.

This is the right move for Israel given the number of recovering patients exceeding the the number of newly infected, the low number of patients (just 3 percent) who require respiratory aid, control of the fatality rate among the elderly, the situation in the hospitals and public awareness.

All of the above mean we can reopen the economy. But why the haste?

The process of resuming "normal life" as we exit the coronavirus crisis must be much more managed, more organized and more careful.

While Israel has approximately 8,000 active coronavirus patients, it is clear there are thousands more who bear no symptoms.

They could be our friends, they could be of any age. They may feel and look fine but they could be in our families, schools, shops or buses.

They are the most contagious among us if we don’t adhere to the regulations - and sometimes even if we do.

The coronavirus searches silently for the nooks and crannies through which it can infect, using seemingly healthy people to do so.

Israel does need to reopen its businesses, education system, cultural centers and economy. But it must only do so through a staggered process with careful preparations for each step.

...This needs to be a smart process that does not bow to irrelevant pressures and which is reviewed according to professional standards every two weeks.
It's called "Go, no go" in military operations.
The public is picking up signals that the crisis has passed. But to my regret, that is far from being the case.

People are lowering their face masks with wink, violating the 2-meter distance requirements with a wave of the hand, gathering in groups without even noticing and forgetting the importance of hygiene.

Meanwhile, the pathogen is cheering from the sidelines, gleeful at at the ample opportunities it has to to make a viral comeback.

So please, leave us with our mostly empty coronavirus wards and let us focus on the patients who do need us.

To the government of Israel, I say manage the reopening with care, slowly and carefully. Plan every detail.

To the public, I say your masks on, keep at least two meters away from one another, maintain hygiene and keep to the rules.

This is the only way we can continue with our lives without a second outbreak.
Posted by: g(r)omgoru || 05/01/2020 04:41 || Comments || Link || [2 views] Top|| File under:


Home Front: Politix
As Biden struggles, Hillary waits for the call
[The Hill] Hillary Clinton continues to hover in the wings, ready to step forward should Joe Biden fail.

Don’t look now, but Joe is failing. Not only has his campaign been rocked by sexual assault allegations from one-time staffer Tara Reade, but the public is beginning to give up on the former vice president. A new Emerson College poll showed 57 percent of likely voters think President Trump will win reelection in November.

Remember, Establishment Democrats put forward Uncle Joe because he was the "safe" candidate, bound to defeat Trump. Oops.

That’s not the only problem that crops up in the Emerson Poll. It also shows Trump supporters 19 points more enthusiastic about their candidate than Biden supporters. That "enthusiasm gap" will drive turnout this fall. With Democrats dependent on young people and minorities, both typically less reliable voters, that lack of excitement for the candidate could be a big problem.
Posted by: Besoeker || 05/01/2020 01:20 || Comments || Link || [3 views] Top|| File under:

#1  Can I vote now ?
Posted by: crazyhorse || 05/01/2020 2:48 Comments || Top||

#2  Hillary, probably, make even worse public showing than Bide.
Posted by: g(r)omgoru || 05/01/2020 3:03 Comments || Top||

#3  ^Biden.
Posted by: g(r)omgoru || 05/01/2020 3:35 Comments || Top||

#4  A new Emerson College poll showed 57 percent of likely voters think President Trump will win reelection in November

Gee, another poll. A week ago some pollster said Joey was up by eight points. And of course we know how well the pollsters did four years ago....
Posted by: Clem || 05/01/2020 5:50 Comments || Top||

#5  Hillary make even worse public showing than Bide.

The Hillary saith, I aBide.
Posted by: Lex || 05/01/2020 6:04 Comments || Top||


#7  Does anybody hate her less or love her more? We've all moved on Hillary. Take the hint.
Posted by: rjschwarz || 05/01/2020 12:16 Comments || Top||

#8  Michelle
Posted by: KBK || 05/01/2020 20:17 Comments || Top||

#9  [sung to tune of 'Michelle']

Biiiiiiig Mike...
Mon dyke
Sont les mots qui vont tres bien ensemble
(Tres bien ensemble)


He sniffs you he sniffs you he SNIIIFFFs you
(I think you know by know)
We'll nominate you somehow

But until then we will sing these words, the only words we know
because we're brain-dead whores and out of luck

Biiiiig Mike,
Mon dyke
Sont les mots qui vont tres bien ensemble
(Tres bien ensemble)
Posted by: Lex || 05/01/2020 21:39 Comments || Top||



Who's in the News
34[untagged]
6Arab Spring
5Hezbollah
5Commies
4Sublime Porte
4Islamic State
3Taliban
3Moslem Colonists
2Govt of Iran Proxies
2al-Nusra
2Govt of Iran
1Govt of Pakistan
1Govt of Saudi Arabia

Bookmark
E-Mail Me

The Classics
The O Club
Rantburg Store
The Bloids
The Never-ending Story
Thugburg
Gulf War I
The Way We Were
Bio

Merry-Go-Blog











On Sale now!


A multi-volume chronology and reference guide set detailing three years of the Mexican Drug War between 2010 and 2012.

Rantburg.com and borderlandbeat.com correspondent and author Chris Covert presents his first non-fiction work detailing the drug and gang related violence in Mexico.

Chris gives us Mexican press dispatches of drug and gang war violence over three years, presented in a multi volume set intended to chronicle the death, violence and mayhem which has dominated Mexico for six years.
Click here for more information

Meet the Mods
In no particular order...
Steve White
Seafarious
tu3031
badanov
sherry
ryuge
GolfBravoUSMC
Bright Pebbles
trailing wife
Gloria
Fred
Besoeker
Glenmore
Frank G
3dc
Skidmark

Two weeks of WOT
Fri 2020-05-01
  Southern Transitional Council declares self rule in Yemen
Thu 2020-04-30
  German government bans Hezbollah — Interior Ministry
Wed 2020-04-29
  El Salvador's President Takes On The Country's Gangs Amid Coronavirus Pandemic
Tue 2020-04-28
  Haftar declares himself a ruler of Libya
Mon 2020-04-27
  Pakistan to keep Mosques open during Ramadan
Sun 2020-04-26
  GNA Refuses Operation IRINI Because It Will Disrupt Arms Supplies From Turkey
Sat 2020-04-25
  North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un again rumored to be dead
Fri 2020-04-24
  Poland Detains Lebanese Man Suspected of 'Planning Attacks'
Thu 2020-04-23
  Afrin: Kurdish population more than halved since 2018 offensive
Wed 2020-04-22
  Trump says he's ordered Navy to destroy
Iranian boats should they harass U.S. ships
Tue 2020-04-21
  North Korea's Kim Jong Un in grave danger
after surgery, or so they ay
Mon 2020-04-20
  U.S. crude falls below $15 a barrel, down more than 20%
Sun 2020-04-19
  44 suspected Boko Haram jihadis found dead in Chad prison
Sat 2020-04-18
  Almost $5 billion of Iran government money for imports is missing
Fri 2020-04-17
  CCP reports coup attempt in China!


Rantburg was assembled from recycled algorithms in the United States of America. No trees were destroyed in the production of this weblog. We did hurt some, though. Sorry.
18.219.86.155
Help keep the Burg running! Paypal:
WoT Operations (22)    WoT Background (15)    Non-WoT (20)    (0)    Politix (8)