Month: October 2024

Rambling And Babbling

I have never understood many of Trump’s speeches…..to me he is just making sh*t up as he goes and in some cases just babbling…..and it seems to be getting worse.

Now an analysis of these speeches….

Donald Trump has addressed the perception that his speeches have become less focused, darker, more rambling, and generally less in the moment. He’s called his freewheeling style “the weave,” saying it’s an intentional and “brilliant” way to communicate. A computer analysis has put numbers to the changes, Peter Baker writes in the New York Times. Some rhetorical habits have been there but show up more frequently now, others may or may not be signs of aging, experts say. “He’s not competing at the level he was competing at eight years ago, no question about it,” said Anthony Scaramucci, a former ally who now supports Vice President Kamala Harris for president. “He’s lost an ability to put powerful sentences together,” Scaramucci added.

The differences in Trump speech the computer analysis found include:

  • Length: Speeches at rallies now average 82 minutes long. In 2016, they averaged 45 minutes.
  • Absolute terms: He uses terms like “always” and “never” 13% more often than he did in 2016. Some experts consider that an indication of advancing age.
  • Negativity: He used 21% more negative than positive words eight years ago; he now uses 32% more. Such an increase also can be a sign of cognitive change.
  • Profanity: Swear words appear in his speech 69% more often than they did in 2016. A study by Stat, a health care news outlet, also found as much. That trend can reflect disinhibition, which the National Institutes of Health says concerns the ability to “control one’s behavior.”

There’s also been confusion, which can afflict anyone but has been especially baffling recently. A week after his debate against Harris, Trump talked about the studio audience supporting him and going “crazy” at times in its fervor, per Mediaite. But there was no studio audience. He said last week that “most people don’t have any idea what the hell a phone app is,” though 96% of Americans have a smartphone, Baker points out. Trump has said the Panama Canal was built “a little while ago” and asked supporters if they remember when Charles Lindbergh landed in New York. Lindbergh was going the other way on his historic flight; he landed in Paris in 1927. After being in Georgia, the former president cheered “a great day in Louisiana.”

Am I being too critical?

That is a scary thought if that is the way his tiny mind works….scattered and willy nilly….

I Read, I Write, You Know

“lego ergo scribo”

SCOTUS, The New Term

It is that time again when the political hacks we call the Supreme Court get together and do whatever it is they do…..

The Supreme Court starts a new nine-month term on Monday, and the first major case will come Tuesday, when the court hears arguments in a case involving “ghost guns”—untraceable firearms assembled from kits, often with very little effort involved, Reuters reports. In Garland v. VanDerStok, the Biden administration is appealing a lower court’s decision to strike down a rule that defined certain gun parts as firearms, meaning serial numbers and background checks would be required. Other big cases:

  • A death row inmate in Oklahoma. On Wednesday next week, the court will hear arguments in Glossip v. Oklahoma, which “presents the odd question of whether the state of Oklahoma must execute a man that it very much does not want to kill,” Vox reports. The state’s attorney general believes Glossip was wrongly convicted of murder, but Oklahoma courts have refused to grant Glossip a new trial
  • Transgender rights. US v. Skrmetti will probably be the most closely watched case of the term, CBS News reports. The Justice Department and three transgender teens are challenging Tennessee’s strict ban on gender-affirming care, including hormones and puberty blockers, for people under 18 with gender dysphoria. They argue that the ban, one of dozens in GOP-led states, violates the Constitution’s Equal Protection clause. Arguments in the case have not been scheduled yet.
  • Porn websites. In Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton, the court will hear arguments on the constitutionality of a Texas law requiring people who visit porn websites to submit personal information for age verification, Time reports. Opponents of the law argue that it fails to account for privacy concerns and restricts adult access to constitutionally protected material. Seven states have similar laws.
  • Flavored vapes. FDA v. Wages and White Lion Investments will look at the FDA’s policy of refusing to approve flavored vapes, on the grounds that they have a “serious, well-documented risk” of getting underage users hooked.
  • Nuclear waste. The court agreed to step into a fight over plans to store nuclear waste at sites in rural Texas and New Mexico. The justices said they will review a ruling by the 5th US Circuit Court of Appeals that found that the Nuclear Regulatory Commission exceeded its authority under federal law in granting a license to a private company to store spent nuclear fuel at a dump in West Texas for 40 years, the AP reports. The outcome of the case will affect plans for a similar facility in New Mexico. Political leaders in both states oppose the facilities.
  • Reverse discrimination. The court is also taking up the case of an Ohio woman who claims she suffered sex discrimination in her employment because she is straight. The justices agreed to review an appellate ruling that upheld the dismissal of the discrimination lawsuit filed by the woman, Marlean Ames, against the Ohio Department of Youth Services, the AP reports. Ames, who has worked for the department for 20 years, contends she was passed over for a promotion and then demoted because she is heterosexual. Both the job she sought and the one she had held were given to LGBTQ people.

How will the Roberts court go?  Will it put politics aside for a change?

I Read, I Write, You Know

“lego ergo scribo”

Hey Cat! WTF?

This post is for my readers who’s life is dominated by a feline roommate….

I am not a cat person but I will say that cats are the very example of indifference…..cats have one trait that I do not understand and I pride myself at having a logical mind….but this one thing defies logic.

That one thing is why do cats indiscriminately go along knock stuff over?

If you have a cat that resides in your abode I know you have asked yourself many times that same question.

Mental Floss takes a look into this irritating feline habit….

Cats have a knack for knocking things off their perches—even after you plead with them not to. There’s something seemingly passive-aggressive about the way they slowly tip over your belongings, but are they intentionally being jerks? According to experts, this behavior has a few explanations, but being a bully probably isn’t one of them.

One possible reason for your kitty acting up is boredom. Cats need stimulation just like you do, but they’re probably not up for streaming something on Netflix with you. Just like when they cry at night or scratch at a closed door, knocking something over also earns them attention (a.k.a. you running into the room after hearing a crash, or begging them to not smack something off the table in the first place).

“Your cat is curious, not purposefully aggravating,” My Cat from Hell’s Jackson Galaxy told Parade in 2014. “And, depending on how you look at it, bored! Think about a toddler who has been given crayons, but no paper. Hello, bedroom wall mural! Ask yourself, ‘Do we have enough cat toys?’ If the answer is yes, would he still rather bat a cup off the table? If so, it’s time to get new toys!”

This destructive habit is likely derived from a more primitive behavior called “toying.” When your pet starts pawing at items, it’s similar to them batting around prey.

“Your cat’s instincts tell her that paperweight or knickknack could turn out to be a mouse. Her poking paw would send it scurrying, giving her a good game (and possibly a good lunch),” Dr. H. Ellen Whiteley told How Stuff Works. Your naturally curious cat doesn’t mean your shelves any harm, so if you need to blame anything, blame feline boredom—or gravity.

There are a few things you can try to do to stop your cats from knocking things over. You could prevent having your pens, glasses, and more wind up on the floor by training your kitty to stay off your counters and tables. It’s also good to make sure your pets have easily accessible toys and enrichment activities around to keep their minds occupied when boredom strikes. And if all else fails, make sure you store any breakable objects where your curious cat can’t get to them.

(mentalfloss.com)

I think that some of the time cats are being purposefully aggravating….my daughter has a cat, Jar Jar, that relishes the destruction.

Now we know what some ‘experts’ think about the habit.

My week is starting with a bang….a transformer blew about a block away and scared the Hell out of me….so go out and have a wonderful day….and as always….Be Well and Be Safe….

I Read, I Write, You Know

“lego ergo scribo”

IST Saturday News Dump–05Oct24

The first Saturday of October and the world is still turning but probably a bit slower than before…..so what better time than a massive ‘Dump’ to brighten up your day.

Personally–nothing I want to talk about.

Locally….cooler temps are here….high 80s day time and low 70s night….not much of a difference but believe me after the temps this Summer it does feel great.  One of the largest antiquate car shows in the country begins this weekend….it is called Cruisin’ The Coast…..traffic will be horrendous.

Let’s get down on it!

I will start with food…..

I am a huge fan of walnuts….I eat them almost everyday with fruit and cheese but I did not know how healthy they are….

The next time you’re perusing the grocery store for healthy, whole foods to add to your diet, trust us on this: You don’t skip over the walnuts. 

“Walnuts are packed with heart-healthy omega-3s, gut-supporting fiber, body and tissue building protein, and they’re rich in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals such as B6, vitamin E, zinc, phosphorus, and magnesium,” says Vanessa King, MS, RDN King,registered dietitian and media spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. “Their flavor is rich and earthy, and their folds can hold flavor from other ingredients, enhancing the overall taste of a dish.”

Not to mention, walnuts are incredibly versatile–and can be used in both sweet and savory dishes. “Cook with walnut oil, add crunch to salads by sprinkling walnuts on top, add walnuts to baked goods like muffins for more texture, blend walnuts into smoothies and dips for a richer mouth feel, crush walnuts to sprinkle on breakfast cereals, oatmeal, and yogurt, and mix them into granola,” says King.

Yep, walnuts are great. But what happens when you eat them every day?

https://parade.com/health/what-happens-if-you-eat-walnuts-every-day

Good for gut health?  Could that explain why with the wide variety of foods that I eat I have not had indigestion in many years?

I love my coffee….but have you ever heard of ‘mushroom coffee’?

If you visualize a cup of joe with mushrooms floating at the top — take a sigh of relief. That is not what this is.

Mushroom coffee is a delicate blend of ground mushrooms and coffee beans combined to brew a dark, smooth, and nutty coffee.

Mushroom coffee generally uses medicinal mushroom extracts rather than culinary mushrooms like shiitake and portobello.

Medicinal mushrooms have been commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine for hundreds of years.

The compounds extracted from medicinal mushrooms are called adaptogens, which may improve the body’s response to stress.

Since the 1970s, researchersTrusted Source have been interested in the adaptogens from medicinal mushrooms for their potential health benefits.

However, it’s important to note that most studies on medicinal mushrooms are based on animals or done in a lab, with few well-designed clinical trials including humans. This means that we can’t simply apply the results of these studies to humans or human diseases.

Plus, these studies aren’t specific to mushroom coffee — and it’s unclear whether there are combined positive or negative health effects of mixing mushrooms and coffee beans.

It’s safe to say that although medicinal mushrooms and coffee have some established benefits on their own, there are numerous unverified health claims about the benefits of mushroom coffee.

Mushrooms mixed with coffee?  6 and half ounces for about $30….I will stick with my regular cup of Joe….at least it is cheaper than the coffee that passes through a monkey’s butt.  I will pass on this trend.

Speaking of my regular cup of java….

“People are going to sit up and realize how important longshoremen jobs are,” union leader Harold Daggett said as the the dockworkers strike began at midnight Tuesday. Those words might hit home with disruption to the supply chain of a commodity many Americans start their day with. Reuters reports that hundreds of containers of coffee beans are among those piling up at East Coast and Gulf Coast ports. Coffee traders say stockpiles were already very low because importers have been keeping inventories low to avoid high storage costs.

“We have some 40 containers waiting to be moved,” the head trader at a major coffee importer tells Reuters. He predicts that some regions “might have a supply squeeze” if the strike continues much longer. Major ports already have a backlog that could take weeks or months to clear. According to Census Bureau data, around 80% of containerized coffee imports to the US come through ports affected by the strike, along with 75% of imported bananas, the New York Times reports.

It all started in the 60s with huffing fumes from model glue…..and today huffing has returned….

Chroming, aka huffing, isn’t a new phenomenon, but the practice—which involves inhaling hydrocarbons to get high, often via common household items like nail polish, permanent markers, and paint thinner—is reemerging, thanks partly to social media. Medical experts, in turn, are getting concerned. “People have been inhaling fumes for centuries,” pediatrician Dr. Betty Choi tells CNN, noting that this type of inhalant abuse reached its peak in the ’90s. “But in recent years, experimentation rates among teens have risen again.”

  • Effects: In the short term, those who huff may experience euphoria, but also a feeling of lightheadedness, clumsiness, slurred speech, or a lack of inhibition. More serious consequences include nausea or vomiting, drowsiness, breathing issues, seizures, or cardiac problems, per Dr. Anthony Pizon, a professor of emergency medicine at the University of Pittsburgh. In some cases, use can prove fatal—even on the first try.
  • Habitual users: Those who huff over the long haul could see further repercussions, such as ulcers, nosebleeds, paranoia and other mood changes, kidney and liver problems, heart and brain damage, and mental health issues, among others—not to mention addiction to huffing itself, creating a vicious circle.
  • The numbers: In 2022, about 554,000 young people in the US between the ages of 12 and 17 used inhalants, per stats from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Last year, that number inched up to 564,000. There isn’t reliable data on how many kids die from huffing each year.
  • Social media: New research from the American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that online platforms are helping to reinvigorate the longtime practice. “A lot of kids are unfortunately exposing themselves to it largely due to its appeal on TikTok,” Pizon says, per CBS News.
  • Prevention: Parents should keep an eye out for physical signs, such as constant nosebleeds, sores on or near the mouth or nose, poor school performance, or lack of interest in activities. Should a child faint, hallucinate, seem confused, or have a seizure, that could be a sign of a chroming OD and parents should call 911 or a poison control center ASAP.

Just a little FYI for parents….

Now speaking of brain damage….

For years, researchers have studied the psychological factors associated with religious fundamentalism, which involves strict adherence to belief. Traits like authoritarianism, resistance to doubt, and cognitive inflexibility have indeed been linked to fundamentalist mindsets. However, a fascinating new study now reveals that brain damage can increase the likelihood of developing rigid, unwavering faith in God.

The study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, took an innovative approach by examining two groups of individuals with focal brain lesions resulting from injuries or disorders. One cohort consisted of 106 Vietnam veterans who suffered traumatic brain injuries in combat decades ago. The other included 84 patients from rural Iowa who experienced strokes, surgical complications, or other brain injuries.

https://www.techspot.com/news/104862-study-links-brain-damage-heightened-religious-fundamentalism.html

Did you use the site 23andMe to find your ancestry or to find what traits you have?  If so you might want to check this out.

23andMe is not doing well. Its stock is on the verge of being delisted. It shut down its in-house drug-development unit last month, only the latest in several rounds of layoffs. Last week, the entire board of directors quit, save for Anne Wojcicki, a co-founder and the company’s CEO. Amid this downward spiral, Wojcicki has said she’ll consider selling 23andMe—which means the DNA of 23andMe’s 15 million customers would be up for sale, too.

23andMe’s trove of genetic data might be its most valuable asset. For about two decades now, since human-genome analysis became quick and common, the A’s, C’s, G’s, and T’s of DNA have allowed long-lost relatives to connect, revealed family secrets, and helped police catch serial killers. Some people’s genomes contain clues to what’s making them sick, or even, occasionally, how their disease should be treated. For most of us, though, consumer tests don’t have much to offer beyond a snapshot of our ancestors’ roots and confirmation of the traits we already know about. (Yes, 23andMe, my eyes are blue.) 23andMe is floundering in part because it hasn’t managed to prove the value of collecting all that sensitive, personal information. And potential buyers may have very different ideas about how to use the company’s DNA data to raise the company’s bottom line. This should concern anyone who has used the service.

https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2024/09/23andme-dna-data-privacy-sale/680057/

Just another IST PSA….

My DNA is not in the public domain and will stay that way.

That does it for me on this first Saturday of October….I hope that everyone has a wonderful day and as always…..Be Well and Be Safe….

I Read, I Write, You Know

“lego ergo scribo”

Got The Music In Me

A little something for a Friday afternoon….simply because I am bored with the news….

Do you like music?

I like all types depending on the situation….when I am on the ‘puter I listen to classical guitar or blues….otherwise it is music from my past….Cream, Canned Heat, Electric Prunes, etc etc.

A recent study finds that music is being dumb down since its glory days…..

If you’ve ever seen the viral clip of popular radio tunes that all use the same four chords, this latest study will, well … strike a chord. The research published earlier this month in the journal Scientific Reports isn’t about chords per se, but about rhythm and pitch—both of which scientists say have become increasingly less complex in pop songs over the past 75 years or so. Computational musicologists from Queen Mary University of London used mathematical models and algorithms to examine the top five songs on the Billboard charts from 1950 to 2023, which Smithsonian notes included such hits as the Beatles’ “Hey Jude,” Lady Gaga’s “Poker Face,” and Madonna’s “Vogue.”

Study leader Madeline Hamilton says they found that the complexity of both rhythm and pitch fell by about 30% over that time period in the more than 360 songs they listened to. The researchers also discovered that there were three distinct “melodic revolutions”—in 1975, 1996, and 2000—where song melodies became exceedingly simplified. Hamilton says that the mid-’70s shift came down right around the time disco and stadium rock came on the scene, while the later two tracked with the rise in popularity of rap and electronic music, as well as MTV.

Hamilton says that just because a melody is simple, it doesn’t mean the song overall is, or that it’s necessarily lacking. “It’s not that music is getting less complex,” she tells the New York Times. “The melody is getting less complex, but maybe the chords are getting more complex, or maybe the production.” Hamilton says she needed “sanity checks” during her experiment, which at one point had her in COVID lockdown listening to songs in a dorm room for 10 hours a day. She says she now finds it difficult to listen to many popular songs, with one in particular that “haunts” her: UB40’s 1993 cover of Elvis Presley’s “Can’t Help Falling in Love.” Listen if you dare.

If you would like to see more of this study then I have a spot for you….

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2024/07/04/music-has-dumbed-down-in-three-stages-since-1950-study-find/

Back in May I wrote about music as well….

The Day The Music Died

A little 60s music to end your reading day….Be well and Be Safe….

The Ports Drama…..

Of course every small minded person has had their emotions of high alert with the Longshoremen’s strike…..it has been getting a lot of press about the dire consequences if the strike is prolonged…..and now we have one of the first in panic buying….can you guess what it is?

If you ventured a guess and said toilet paper then you were spot on.

There is no squeeze on Charmin. Toilet paper makers said that consumers don’t need to fear shortages due to the ongoing strike at US ports. The American Forest and Paper Association, which represents makers of toilet paper, facial tissues, paper towels, and other wood products, said Wednesday that it was not aware of the strike having any impact on tissue product delivery in the US. The association said it spoke out after seeing reports on social media of consumers stocking up on toilet paper, the AP reports. It’s a common reaction in times of crisis; shoppers also hoarded toilet paper in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.

but the trade group said approximately 85% of toilet paper, paper towels, napkins, and tissues used in the US is made by US-based producers and not affected by the strike. Members of the International Longshoremen’s Association went on strike Tuesday, impacting 36 ports on the East and Gulf coasts. American Forest and Paper Association CEO Heidi Brock said her group is urging the US Maritime Alliance, which represents ports and shipping companies, and the union representing around 45,000 dockworkers to come to an agreement soon so the association’s members can resume exports.

But everyone can breath a sight for now for there has been a tentative agreement that would pause the strike until January.

After receiving an enhanced contract proposal, the International Longshoremen’s Association suspended its three-day strike on Thursday that has shut major East and Gulf coast ports. The existing contract will remain in place through Jan. 15 to allow time for more negotiation over other issues, the Washington Post reports, after port owners proposed a 62% pay raise. If dockworkers stay on the job, the US economy would not be subject to the feared disruption, including possible shortages of consumer products and higher prices.

he union’s statement said that it reached “a tentative agreement on wages” that will allow the 45,000 workers to return to the job, per the New York Times. A 62% jump would be less than the union wanted—77%—but more than the US Maritime Alliance had proposed earlier in the week, which was 50% over six years. Under the tentative terms, longshoremen at the top of the scale would receive an increase of $24 an hour over the six years. A union vice president told the Post he thinks the outstanding issues can be settled. “I believe that all parties are energized,” Vincent Cameron said.

Lay off the toilet paper and calm down.

I Read, I Write, You Know

“lego ergo scribo”

Predictions for 2024

I am bored with the election…same sh*t, different day sort of thing….a loyal visitor to IST, Doug, sent me a comment that he got when he asked questions of ChatGPT about the 2024 election….

I enclosed the comment here to see if there is any feedback from other readers.

“Given what you know of of our current national political divide, the candidates of each side, the previous records of the candidates, their support bases, which side represents a greater danger to possibly carrying forward any of these scenarios in the event of an election loss?”

ChatGPT said:

The question of which side might pose a greater danger in the event of an election loss is complex and multifaceted. Both major political parties in the U.S. have factions that could potentially engage in disruptive behavior, but the nature and implications of that behavior can differ significantly. Here’s an analysis of both sides based on the current political landscape:1. Support Bases and Rhetoric

  • Right-Wing Populism (Trump’s Base):
    • Many of Trump’s supporters feel a strong sense of grievance and perceive the political establishment as corrupt or out of touch. The rhetoric often emphasizes “America First,” which can be interpreted as exclusionary.
    • Instances of political violence have been linked to far-right groups, especially during events like the January 6 Capitol insurrection. The potential for organized action or violent backlash could be heightened if Trump were to lose, particularly if there’s a narrative of illegitimacy surrounding the election.
  • Left-Wing Progressives:
    • Progressive groups also have passionate supporters, though the mechanisms of dissent typically focus on protests, advocacy, and activism rather than violence. While there have been isolated incidents of unrest, the general inclination is toward organized protests rather than armed conflict.
    • Some on the left are concerned about systemic issues and injustices, leading to calls for reform, but there’s less of a centralized, violent faction compared to some far-right groups.

2. Historical Context

  • Historically, right-wing movements in the U.S. have shown a propensity for armed resistance, especially in response to perceived threats to their way of life. This history can influence how supporters might react in a post-election scenario.
  • On the left, while there have been significant protests, particularly over racial justice and climate issues, the movements have generally sought to work within democratic frameworks.

3. Potential for Civil Unrest

  • Right-Wing: If Trump loses, particularly under circumstances perceived as fraudulent or manipulated, there could be a rallying effect among his supporters, leading to protests, civil disobedience, or more severe acts of violence.
  • Left-Wing: Should the Democrats lose, while there may be protests and calls for action, the likelihood of violent backlash is less pronounced. Most left-leaning groups typically advocate for reform and engagement rather than insurrection.

4. Government Response and Social Dynamics

  • The potential for violence may also depend on how law enforcement and government institutions respond to unrest. A perceived lack of accountability for violent actors could embolden further actions from one side or the other.
  • The public sentiment can also shift quickly based on events, so the reaction to an election loss could be unpredictable.

5. Conclusion: Greater Danger

Based on current dynamics, a Trump loss may carry a greater risk of organized and potentially violent backlash due to the passionate grievances of his support base, historical precedents, and the rhetoric used by some factions. This is not to suggest that unrest could not arise from the left, but the nature of the potential reactions differs significantly.

Ultimately, predicting exact outcomes in such a polarized environment is challenging. Each side carries its own risks, but the right-wing populism represented by Trump seems to have a more explicit history of violent resistance and an ideology that may inspire such actions in the wake of a loss. The response will depend heavily on the circumstances surrounding the election and the narratives that emerge in its aftermath.

All these ‘predictions’ are something I have read in the past which leads me to believe that ChatGPT is in wide use….some dire and some are a bit obvious….

I thank Doug for send this to me so that I could include it in IST….

If there are any thoughts on the ‘predictions’ please feel free to share…..

I Read, I Write, You Know

“lego ergo scribo”

Middle East: Here We Go again

Recently it was announced that the US will send more military aid to Israel to help feed their blood lust.

Israeli Defense Ministry announced that it secured $8.7 billion in military aid from the US to support its “ongoing military efforts,” meaning the genocidal slaughter in Gaza and Israel’s dramatic escalation in Lebanon.

The ministry said in a statement that its director-general, Maj. Gen. Eyal Zamir, concluded negotiations in Washington to secure the military aid. It said the package includes $3.5 billion for “essential wartime procurement” that has already been sent to Israel and a $5.2 billion grant for air defenses.

The ministry said the $5.2 billion for air defenses “will significantly strengthen critical systems such as Iron Dome and David’s Sling while supporting the continued development of an advanced high-powered laser defense system currently in its later stages of development.”

Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin vowed Thursday that the US would continue arming Israel and brushed off the idea of the US setting red lines. “We’ve been committed from the very beginning to help Israel, provide the things that are necessary for them to be able to protect their sovereign territory and that hasn’t changed and won’t change in the future,” he said.

(antiwar.com)

The day after the amazing aid package Israel invades Lebanon….

The Israeli military announced early Tuesday morning that its ground invasion of Lebanon has started, confirming earlier reports that Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers were operating on the ground inside Lebanon.

The IDF said its troops are conducting “limited, localized, and targeted ground raids” against Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon as Israeli airstrikes continue across the country. The ground raid comes after a week of heavy Israeli airstrikes that have killed over 1,000 people, including many civilians.

While the Biden administration has claimed it wants a ceasefire in Lebanon, it is supportive of the Israeli invasion and said it was informed of the plan. A US official told The Times of Israel that the administration has accepted Israel’s goal of removing Hezbollah positions from near its northern border but is concerned Israeli forces could get bogged down in Lebanon.

Some US officials are unhappy with President Biden’s backing for Israel’s escalations, with one telling HuffPostthat the US was permitting “a nihilistic regional murder spree.”

(antiwar.com)

The US and Biden has done its part to make sure that the war keeps the pocket of the War Department contractors filled.

Just in case all the aid package is not enough Biden will send troops to defend Israel….

The Pentagon said Monday that the US is sending a “few thousand” additional troops to the Middle East to bolster security and prepare to defend Israel if needed, The Associated Press has reported.

The deployment will include squadrons of F-15, F-16, F-22, and A-10 fighter jets and the personnel needed to support them. The squadrons were initially set to deploy to the Middle East so that other fighter jets could rotate out, but now they will all stay to increase US air power.

The day before the announcement, President Biden was asked if he would be sending more troops to the Middle East and replied, “No.”

(antiwar.com)

I am tired of this stupid sh*t!

Let Israel fend for itself….it has treated Palestinians like sh*t to decades…. time for them to act like a f*cking civilized nation.

Then came this word…..The Israeli military said Tuesday that missiles were fired at Israel from Iran, and air raid sirens are sounding across Israel. 

All the US is doing in the Middle East is fueling and funding this obscene war….and sadly it will continue no matter who wins the damn election.

I Read, I Write, you Know

“lego ergo scribo”

Battle Of The Big 2

This could be a post about the 2 big oil companies or the 2 big car companies but in this case it is all about the VP candidates time in the spotlight at their battle in the Big Apple.

I watched it because….well…so you did not have to do so.

I thought it would be a slap fight with no focus on the country or its problems….it was feisty at times but worthless….

Vice presidential candidates JD Vance and Tim Walz started Tuesday as “blank slates to much of America,” reports Time, which cited recent surveys from the Pew Research Center showing as much as 25% of the electorate say they’ve not heard of either man. Their only scheduled debate kicked off at 9pm ET on CBS News with moderators Margaret Brennan and Norah O’Donnell. Standout moments and lines:

  • On whether they would support a preemptive Israeli strike on Iran: Walz had a bit of a “shaky” start, per ABC News, swapping Israel and Iran at one point. But he emphasized running mate Kamala Harris’ “calm, steady leadership” while pointing to former President Trump’s relationships with Russia and North Korea. After providing some quick details about his upbringing, Vance said, “You can’t ignore October the 7th,” which occurred “during the administration of Kamala Harris. … When was the last time that an American president didn’t have a major conflict break out? The only answer is Donald Trump’s 4 years as president.”
  • On climate change and Hurricane Helene: Vance zeroed in on carbon emissions, suggesting that if Democrats believe they drive climate change, they should reshore as much American manufacturing as possible and do as much energy production domestically as possible. He argued that Harris’ policies have led to the opposite happening.
  • Vance’s emphasis on the ‘Harris administration’: NBC News points out that Vance is “trying to frame her as the central character in the White House,” with references to and criticism of the “Kamala Harris administration” and “Kamala Harris’s policies.”
  • Walz brings up faith: When referencing the bipartisan border bill that died in the Senate this year, Walz had this to say: “I don’t talk about my faith a lot, but Matthew 25:40 talks about ‘To the least amongst us, you do unto me.’ I think that’s true of most Americans. They simply want order to it. This bill does it. It’s funded. It’s supported by the people who do it, and it lets us keep our dignity about how we treat other people.”
  • Mics cut: While ABC News frames the debate as “largely civil,” the mics were cut toward the end of a conversation about immigration that referenced the legal status of Haitian migrants in Springfield, Ohio. “Margaret, the rules were that you guys weren’t going to fact-check,” Vance said before talking about the mechanics of immigration and asylum applications. Walz joined in, spurring Brennan to say, “Gentlemen, the audience can’t hear you because your mics are cut. We have so much we want to get to. Thank you for explaining the legal process.”
  • On whether Walz was actually in China during the Tiananmen Square protests: In response to a report that he actually wasn’t in Hong Kong until afterward, Walz gave a winding answer that didn’t answer the question, and was then pressed to give an answer. Walz said he “misspoke.” He said at one point, “I’ve tried to do the best I can, but I’ve not been perfect, and I’m a knucklehead at times.”
  • Quick takes on how the candidates are faring: “It is very striking how much more fluent and comfortable Walz is discussing domestic policy than he is talking about foreign policy,” observes NBC News.
  • On abortion: Vance said he knew many women who had abortions and referenced one friend who told him a pregnancy would have ruined her life because she was in an abusive relationship. “We need to do a better job of earning the American people’s trust back on this issue,” he said. “We need to be pro-family in the fullest sense of the world,” by supporting things ranging from fertility treatments to affordable home ownership. On abortion policy specifically, he said the proper way to handle is to let voters and individual states make their own policies in our sometimes “messy and divided countr
  • On school shootings: Vance initially spoke about the connection between gun crimes and illegal weapons and the border. On schools, he said “I unfortunately think we have to increase security in our schools,” suggesting stronger doors and windows and more school resource officers. Walz replied, “I’m a hunter, I own firearms. We understand that the Second Amendment is there. But we have a responsibility to our kids. If we really want to solve this, we’ve got folks that won’t allow research on gun violence … there are reasonable things that we can do to make a difference. …. Do you want your schools hardened to look like a fort?”
  • On the housing crisis: Vance pointed a finger at Harris for “letting in millions” of people into the country, saying illegal migrants are a driver of increased housing costs. Vance said one solution would be to “drill, baby, drill”—the lower energy prices would reduce the cost of building materials and, therefore, housing.
  • On Jan. 6 and the 2020 election: After an extensive conversation, Walz asked Vance point-blank if he thought Trump lost the 2020 election. Vance did not give a yes or no answer. “That is a damning non-answer,” said Walz.

All in all this debate will change no minds on their vote.

To me this was just a show for toothless bulldogs to strut .

I can say the Vance is an idiot and Walz is just boring…..and since I do not believe that the ‘undecided vote’ is as large as some say this debate did nothing to change any minds.

A night to forget and watch a hockey game.

I Read, I Write, You Know

“lego ergo scribo”