Meticulous workmanship knits together artistry and imperial beauty

Ryan Walters, OSDE looking to integrate Bible in elementary schools

“In a new request for proposal submitted Friday, state Superintendent Ryan Walters is looking to purchase Bibles for elementary school classrooms.”

TOM LEHRER - THE ELEMENTS (Humor)

“The Elements -- About the Rare (& Not So Rare) Earths ”

Historic ocean liner departs Philadelphia on voyage to become the world’s largest artificial reef

Hegseth Rationalizes Putin's "Give Me My Shit Back" War

Brooks and Capehart on Republicans facing backlash over federal cuts

“This is pretty revolutionary. You can say goodbye to NATO, built around Article Five, where we promised to defend each other. I think the bigger...”

This seed is commentary, not news itself but a discussion thereof. From the linked page: New York Times columnist David Brooks and Washington Post associate editor Jonathan Capehart join Geoff Bennett to discuss the week in politics, including fresh tensions between the U.S. and Ukraine, town...

'It's blackmail': Ukrainians react to Trump demand for $500bn share of minerals

“Ukraine's lithium deposits are among biggest in Europe and the US is looking for 'payback' for previous military assistance”

Ukraine can release the American taxpayers any time they choose.  There's nothing Ukraine has that the United States needs.  Ukraine can keep its lithium and the we'll keep our money.  That's fair, ain't it?  Just because American business leaders are idiots doesn't mean the United States has to...

A brief history of the Russia/Ukraine war

“Ah yes, let’s remember the Obama-era “Russia Reset.” It was announced with great ceremony by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, brandishing a red...”

Link to quote: Remembering Obama’s ‘Russia Reset’: Hillary & The ‘Skolkovo’ Misadventure | National ReviewI thought today might be a good day for a bit of history so, I'm beginning with this war everyone is so upset about. First off we have a case where one country is repeatedly attacked by...

Bannon Salute at Right-Wing Event Sparks Outcry, Even on French Right

“A gesture by Stephen Bannon at CPAC, outside Washington, echoed a move by Elon Musk and prompted the president of France’s far-right National Rally...”

France's far-right party, born as the "National Front" under Marine Le Pen's father, Jean-Marie, has been trying for years to become "respectable". Their occasional racist relapse has been a problem for them. Assisting at a meeting where a Nazi salute is acceptable would have set them back...

"King Donald I" Accelerates White Nationalist Purge of Military Leaders

“A Black general MUST be DEI... so he MUST go!”

The highest ranking woman in the US military - ever - is fired. So is the second. The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs (who "just happens to be Black") is fired. Hey! I don't give a fuck. I'm a straight male WASP, so I have nothing to fear. Right?

How the Woke Right Replaced the Woke Left

Ciqikou Ancient Town in Chongqing

10 Best Books of International Relations

This Was The World's First Sleeper Car

“Offering high performance in an unassuming package, sleeper cars have been around for longer than you may think.”

Bakeries can't beat egg prices, so your cake may cost more

“Flour Bakery in Boston can't make much with just its namesake ingredient; eggs are in just about everything from pies and cakes to brioche bread.”

AOC's Speech at NY Rally with Federal Workers

“Understand that there are millions of us at work at the same time. We are in the ...we are in the business of creating conditions. There's not one...”

I think that AOC is one of the rising stars of politics. Not one of the rising stars of either party, but of the political sphere in general. Here is the evidence: She came from waiting tables in a bar to being a Representative in Congress against the political machine that was in place. She...

Americans are losing confidence in the economy, driven primarily by worries over Trump’s tariffs and Inflation

In reversal, Trump says Russia attacked Ukraine

“Trump had said on Tuesday that Ukraine "should have never started" the war three years ago, prompting a wave of criticism both domestically and...”

Photo: U.S. President Donald Trump hosts a business session with U.S. governors who are in town for the National Governors Association's (NGA) annual winter meeting, at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., February 21, 2025. REUTERS/Leah Millis© Thomson Reuters

Elon Musk accused federal workers of 'getting wealthy at taxpayer expense' even as his companies have accepted at least $20 billion in government aid | Fortune

“Musk's DOGE wants to cut tens of thousands of federal workers, and now it's aiming at people he thinks are too rich.”

One month into Trump's second term, many feel buyer's remorse

“As we pause at the one-month mark, the question isn't whether Donald Trump is engaging in maximalist radicalism. The question is whether it's working.”

Trump's Biggest Strength Has Become His 'Great Weakness'

“CNN data reporter Harry Enten said that Donald Trump's Achilles' heel during his second term is the area that was once his greatest strength: the...”

Donald Trump Called 'Megalomaniac' By Angry Local at Republican Town Hall

“Trump faced intense criticism from local residents during a town-hall meeting for Republican Representative Rich McCormick in his Georgia district...”

When MAGA Meets Minsky

“Laying the foundations for the next financial crisis”

Even Krugman seems to balk at the simplest explanation for what Musk/Trump is doing. Preparing America for crony kleptocracy on the model of Putin's Russia.

Europe’s closest ally is in bed with its worst enemy. Now what?

“How did things get so bad, so fast?”

Fast?  Obama began pumping taxpayer money into Ukraine in 2014 after another phony "Arab Spring" event.  The flow of weapons and munitions to Ukraine began in 2018 with shipments of Javelin anti-tank missiles.   The Europeans sat on their thumbs and did nothing while Joe Biden warned of Russian...

Preliminary agreements

““We need strong agreements with the United States – agreements that will truly work,” Zelenskiy said in his daily address to the nation late...”

Any major peace deal requires a framework before the warring sides sit down at the negotiating table. In the case of the Ukraine/Russia talks it first required restoring relations between the US and Russia as well as a mineral agreement between the US and Ukraine. Why is there a need for the...

China's slaughterbots show WW3 would kill us all.

5 Unexpected Cars That Former Presidents Used To Own

Stocks tumble as Walmart sales growth forecast disappoints

“Stocks tumbled from all-time highs Thursday in the wake of Walmart projecting a lower-than-expected sales outlook.”

Team Canada wins 4 Nations Face-Off in overtime, defeating Team USA

70 Christians Beheaded In Congo Church

Wingin' it on Creative Arts Three Day Weekend

Cormorant taking Off © A. Mac/A.G. Takeoff Accomplished © A. Mac/A.G.

'Long live the king!': Trump faces backlash for comparing himself to royalty

“U.S. President Donald Trump has branded himself as royalty.”

BUZZ NOTE: There is at least one relevant news video embedded in this article which may be accessed by clicking on the SEEDED CONTENT link below this message, which will open the original source article.

Trump's mega-MAGA month transforms America

“Both groups can agree: The America that Joe Biden left behind on Jan. 20 is no longer recognizable, erased in four frenetic weeks by an empowered,...”

President Trump's first month in office has exceeded the wildest dreams of his most loyal supporters, and the darkest nightmares of his fiercest detractors. Why it matters: Both groups can agree: The America that Joe Biden left behind on Jan. 20 is no longer recognizable, erased in four frenetic...

Invasive Crabs Have Taken Over New England. One Solution? Eat Them.

“America’s Northeastern coast has been overrun by crabs from Europe and Asia. Luckily, they’re delicious.”

I spent quite a few years in Baltimore when I was a kid. Chesapeake Bay steamed crabs are DELICIOUS!

Zeldin EPA discovers $2 billion Biden admin stashed away for Stacey Abrams-linked climate group

“The Environmental Protection Agency recently discovered that the Biden administration awarded $2 billion to a climate group with ties to former...”

Kash Patel confirmed as FBI director, kicking off pivot for bureau

“The Senate voted 51-47 to end debate on the Long Island native's nomination, with Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) breaking ranks and voting with 46...”

Hamas sickens the world with vile parade of child hostages' coffins

DOGE By The Numbers

“Elon Musk, the leader of DOGE, claims the organization's sweeping cuts have already saved the government $55 billion. ”

Gee... When a zillionaire starts saving my money, it makes me feel all warm inside. You?? You take care of yourself, right? No retirement. No healthcare. No problem...

Emus aren't as 'dumb' as we thought

“Emus have a reputation for being "bird-brained" but a new study has found they can innovate - solving a tricky puzzle to access a food reward.”

I once visited an ostrich farm. I'm tall - 1m96 in intelligent units, 6'5" in... whatever... Those birds were looking DOWN at me. That is a BIG FUCKING BIRD. Fortunately, they're herbivorous. There used to be carnivorous cousins. Called TERROR BIRDS. Oh, yeah!

An Explosion of Lies

“The Musk Administration chokes on the truth”

I kinda like post-NYT Krugman better than when he wrote for that paper. He's more free to let go.

No, 150-Year-Olds Aren't Collecting Social Security Benefits

“Elon Musk claims to have found rampant fraud in the Social Security Administration. There's a much simpler explanation.”

So... the other day, I said that Musk's claim that Social Security was paying benefits to 150-year-olds was due to a COBOL date-management glitch. NT's Usual Suspect Fascists jumped on me, howling for a link. Here's a seed.

JD Vance's Debacle in Germany Exposes MAGA's Sinister Global Endgame

“Did you know that the United States is joining an international fascist network?”

The End of the Postwar World

Pulling no punches

““Think of it, a modestly successful comedian, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, talked the United States of America into spending $350 Billion Dollars, to go...”

As Ukraine lies in ruin and Russia spending about 40% of its budget on the war. Food prices and inflation have soared. Interest rates have reached 21 percent. Both sides should welcome a settlement.Unfortunately, a contentious back-and-forth has quickly escalated after the leader of Ukraine...

Outraged GOP Senator Falls for Russian Propaganda Video and Declares, ‘Not Another Dime for Ukraine’

“Lee shared a video that purported to show Ukrainian soldiers burning an effigy of President Donald Trump, referring to him as a "bastard."”

RETURN  OF THE CLASSIC MOVIE QUIZ

RETURN  OF THE CLASSIC MOVIE QUIZ PLEASE DO NOT POST YOUR ANSWERS, ANY MOVIE OR ACTOR NAMES, IMAGES, MOVIE QUOTES OR EVEN A HINT IN A COMMENT, OR YOU WILL RUIN THE QUIZ FOR EVERYONE ELSE.  POST YOUR ANSWERS IN A PRIVATE NOTE TO ME, BUZZ OF THE ORIENT, AND I WILL REPLY WITH YOUR SCORE AND THE...

Delta offering $30,000 to passengers who were on plane that crash-landed in Toronto

“Delta Air Lines is offering passengers who were on the Toronto-bound flight that crash-landed and flipped upside down $30,000 apiece.”

The Barack Obama-Jennifer Aniston rumor was bad enough. Now this?

“First it was Jennifer Aniston. Then a funeral. Then a "suspicious" Instagram post.”

The Barack Obama-Jennifer Aniston rumor was bad enough. Now this?

“First it was Jennifer Aniston. Then a funeral. Then a "suspicious" Instagram post.”

China expresses concerns over US tariff policy

“China has reaffirmed its commitment to resolving mutual concerns through equal dialogue and consultation with the United States, emphasizing that...”

Fact-checking Donald Trump's claims about war in Ukraine

“President Donald Trump appeared to accuse Ukraine of being responsible for the war with Russia.”

It is sickening to watch this buffoon piss on allies and cozy up with malicious dictators. It is worse, however, to witness USA citizens support this traitor.

Schumer spotted posing for photo with CCP official as warnings swirl about China influence | Fox News

“Sen. Chuck Schumer posed alongside a CCP official who has denied the Uyghur genocide in the past sparking criticism from a China expert who spoke...”

Donald Trump's Approval Rating Gets Triple Boost - Newsweek

“The president has recorded positive approval ratings in several recent surveys.”

Trump calls Zelensky a "dictator" in latest smear

Leader of cultlike Zizians ordered held without bail in Maryland

“The Zizians have been tied to the killing of U.S. Border Patrol Agent David Maland near the Canadian border in January and five other killings in...”

Reputed Tren de Aragua gangsters nabbed in NYC felony drug raid — only to be cut loose with a slap on the wrist

“A pair of reputed migrant gangbangers were nabbed in a drug raid at a Queens auto shop — only to be cut loose without bail after prosecutors...”

TRUMP COLLUDES WITH RUSSIA

The best friend Ukraine ever had

““That doesn’t mean I don’t want to help him, because I feel very badly for those people,” the Republican nominee added, “but he should never have...”

Link to quote: Trump points finger at Zelensky for Russia's invasion: 'He should never have let that war start'Donald Trump has just begun his second term. He has inherited stubborn inflation, a wide-open border (now all but closed), tremendous debt and two wars. On the foreign policy side, one...

Death toll in Kentucky storms rises to 14 as state braces for another round of winter weather

“The death toll from the weekend storms that devastated Kentucky has risen to 14 — and the impacted communities are preparing for more winter weather.”

Trump falsely blames Ukraine for starting war with Russia, echoing Putin's talking point

“You should have never started the war, you could have given up land.”

Not at all surprising.   Disgusting.   But not surprising. The easiest way to end the war is to throw Ukraine under the bus and force them to capitulate. But to blame Zelensky on top of all this is quintessential Trump. Looks like Putin has Trump under control.

Question about NT's bogus Rules & Policies

This could have gone in Vic's sub, but it was locked after a mod posted.  hmm.  Anyway,  during a discussion about Canada, on a seed about Canadian patriotism, I pointed out that the leader of Canada himself said Canada has no national identity and is a post national country. He was, hard as this...

SAVE Act Would Undermine Voter Registration for All Americans | Brennan Center for Justice

“Congress should reject this antidemocratic and ill-conceived bill.”

The Striking Similarity Between The DOGE Logo and the Nazi Labor Front

Judge rules against federal employees suing Trump admin for privacy concerns

“A federal judge has ruled against federal employees who sued the Trump administration over privacy and security concerns around a government...”

Canada recognizes Aboriginal title over Haida Gwaii in historic agreement

“Haida have Aboriginal title over islands' lands, beds of freshwater bodies, foreshores to the low-tide mark”

Trump Vowed to Clean Up Washington, Then His Team Hired a Man Who Pushed a Scam the IRS Called the “Worst of the Worst”

“Frank Schuler was a leading promoter of a tax deduction derided as a scam by prosecutors, senators and the IRS. Now he’s a senior adviser to the...”

Top Justice Department Official Quits After Trump Order on Biden

“Denise Cheung has resigned from the DOJ in protest of a Trump order.”

JD Vance is Merely the Latest Conservative Christian to Use Nazi Camps to Cleanse His Antisemitism Sins

“On Thursday of this past week, Vice President JD Vance visited the site of the Dachau concentration camp in Germany, making him the latest in a...”

Ukraine will not accept a Saudi-talks peace deal, says Zelenskyy

Karen Finney to Scott Jennings: FAA Cut OK 'If Someone Dies?

“CNN's Scott Jennings shrugged when Karen Finney asked if cuts to the FAA by Trump and DOGE czar Elon Musk are ok "even if someone dies?"”

US, Russia commence Ukraine Piece Talks, where Ukraine will be carved into pieces

Brazil mayor ‘faked gun attack’ for poll boost, got shot, then lost election anyway

Hummingbirds Living in a Hive Found for the First Time

“In a remote mountain cave in Ecuador, hummingbirds were discovered sleeping and nesting together.”

Amid the MAGA madness, there is news of life. Hummingbirds are among my favorite things in the whole world!

How Spain's radically different approach to migration helped its economy soar

“As immigration has increased, GDP has surged and unemployment has fallen to lowest level since 2008”

Nah! Let's get rid of all our immigrants. ... ... Well... not all of them. Some are White, after all. Gotta keep those. Let's also keep South Africans. White South Africans, that is...

Putin Agrees to Negotiate with Musk over Ownership of Trump

“The negotiations are proving contentious.”

Making Microbes Great Again

“The Texas measles outbreak is just the beginning”

The anti-vax movement is perhaps the most pertinent proof of MAGA's insanity. The facts are clear: vaccines save lives. But vaccines are science, and for MAGA science is just a bunch of conspiracies. So children must die. MAGA über alles!

How France's Vichy Regime Became Hitler's Willing Collaborators

“It's eighty years today since the notorious Vichy regime took power in France under Nazi domination. Vichy-style fascism wasn't simply a German...”

Trump's Daytona 500 visit draws criticism from David Hogg | Fox News

“President Donald Trump was criticized by Democratic National Committee Vice Chair David Hogg for making an appearance at the Daytona 500 over the...”

REPUBLICANS WON DEMOCRATICALLY AND STILL REJECTED DEMOCRACY

“I keep thinking about a quote from David Frum : If conservatives become convinced that they cannot win democratically, they will not abandon...”

Neo-Nazis chased out of Greater Cincinnati, residents set swastika flag ablaze

“A group called The Hate Club is taking credit for the demonstration.”

Hood Ornaments of Classic Cars

18 people injured after Delta plane landing at Toronto airport overturns

“At least 18 people were injured Monday when a Delta Air Lines plane overturned upon landing at Toronto Pearson International Airport.”

Texas County OK DA netting millions in traffic ticket scheme

“What remains unclear is how widespread the practice of deferred prosecutions for truckers might be in Oklahoma or beyond.”

Extremists have turned Texas into a hotbed for hate, report finds | The Texas Tribune

“The report blames an "alarming rise in extremist ideology and activity" on white supremacist and anti-LGBTQ+ groups that are active or...”

15 Reasons Why Life In Canada is Good

Max Original Four-Part Documentary Series THE TAKEDOWN: AMERICAN ARYANS Debuts February 6 | Pressroom

Questions raised after Texas Neo-Nazi attack | TPR

“Questions are being raised after a group of neo-Nazis allegedly attacked a family gathering on the San Marcos River. The incident happened in June...”

Texas GOP leaders reject ban on associating with Nazi sympathizers | The Texas Tribune

“Some members of the committee said such a ban, proposed two months after a prominent conservative activist was caught meeting with a famous white...”

North Texas police seeing growing number of neo-Nazi clashes | Fort Worth Star-Telegram

“Fort Worth police gave trespassing warnings to 4 Texans handing out flyers at Dickies Arena. Other incidents have reported across Metroplex.”

Birth Registration and the Administration of White Supremacy | Modern American History | Cambridge Core

“Birth Registration and the Administration of White Supremacy - Volume 5 Issue 2”

Ex-FBI official demands to know who is 'spoon-feeding' Trump 'white terrorist philosophy'

“"But I'll tell you where it's definitely been used far more recently, and that's with a white supremacist, far-right extremist named Anders Breivik...”

Our Government Is Experiencing a Rapid Unscheduled Disassembly

“Musk is moving fast and breaking important things”

I don't understand "why". Sure, Trump is preparing for an oligarch fire-sale like Russia when Putin came to power... but many of his actions have little impact other than to hurt his own base. Why?

Von Trapp Family Crosses The Alps Into Switzerland To Escape Free Speech

Undocumented workers helped build Elon Musk's business empire

“Meanwhile, the Tesla CEO Elon has been spewing harsh immigration rhetoric.”

Photo credit: A Tesla Cybertruck faces the SpaceX Starship as it sits on a launch pad at Starbase near Boca Chica, Texas, on October 12, 2024, ahead of the Starship Flight 5 test. Sergio Flores/AFP via Getty Images

US miners push Washington to revive long-dormant Bureau of Mines

“The bureau closed in 1996 during budget cuts.”

No, the Bureau of Mines won't be coming back.  That would require neoliberal Democrats and neoliberal Republicans admitting they screwed the pooch.  Al Gore and Newt Gingrich both take credit for closing the Bureau of Mines.  Bruce Babbitt gained cred as an environmentalists to distract from his...

Estonia's Milrem reveals first look at new war robot

Estonia?  One of my colleagues at the national lab was an Estonian physicist.  He developed sound deadening alloys and was working on vapor deposition of iron as a way to cast parts (think space missions).  Interesting fellow.  

Trump on potential EU food imports ban: ‘Let them do it’

“That’s all right. I don’t mind. Let them do it.”

A bit of journalistic malpractice.  Europeans are floating the idea of banning imports that do not comply with the same standards domestic producers must meet.  The tariffs may have provided an opportunity to push this idea but the bans are really about compliance and not about tariffs.

New York Congresswoman introduces bill to make Trump's birthday a federal holiday | The Independent

“'This legislation would permanently codify a new federal holiday called "Trump's Birthday and Flag Day", Congressman Tenney stated Friday”

Europe must 'step up' on Ukraine, says Starmer

“The UK and Europe face a "generational challenge", the PM says.”

Where have the Europeans been the last three years?  Now that an American President has finally taken the hint to directly negotiate with Russia, Europeans are afraid they'll be left out.  And, naturally, the European response is to threaten escalation to undermine any peace negotiations.

Senate eyes possibility of vote-a-rama on budget resolution

“The House is out of session this week.”

No budget.  No debt limit.  Still fighting over nominee appointments.  Democrats in disarray.  And Republicans held hostage by a few Senators. With just a little bit of luck, the dunderbutts in Congress will trip a default on the Federal debt.  Maybe we could write off about $20 trillion while...

Trump Doubles Down On Ominous Napoleon Quote

“Trump once again shared an ominous quote from Napoleon Bonaparte in an apparent defense of his refusal to acknowledge court rulings opposing his...”

Florida Republican to Lead Task Force Focused on JFK Files, Epstein List

“Anna Paulina Luna announced on Tuesday that a task force within the Oversight Commitee will release once classified documents.”

Dem Lawmakers in Chaos 3 Weeks Into Trump's Presidency, Pulling Chuck Schumer in Opposite Directions

“Washington Democratic Rep. Adam Smith told the Journal, “Our brand is toxic in many of the places that we need to win, swing states, swing districts.””

I found the views of insiders in the Democrat Party about what is wrong and the fact that there is little unity in thought on how to fix things to be interesting.   Can Schumer fix it?  Seems unlikely Is the answer to a new direction, message and tactic for the democrat Party going forward...

US hockey star Charlie McAvoy receives praise for big hit on Canada's Connor McDavid in intense 4 Nations game | Fox News

“U.S. hockey players praised Charlie McAvoy for setting the tone in their win over Canada with hit on Connor McDavid. The U.S. won the electric...”

Dispelling the democrat myth

“"I think we do need to delete entire agencies as opposed to leave a lot of them behind," Musk said. "If we don't remove the roots of the weed, then...”

There seems to be a lot of controversy over Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency. Musk was appointed as a government official. President Trump by Executive Order created DOGE as a temporary government agency which would only exist until July 4th, 2026. Elon Musk and Vivek...

Some Great Poems by Canadian Leonard Cohen

Some Great Poems by Canadian Leonard Cohen Leonard Cohen was an author, poet, songwriter and folk singer, and many of his songs were actually poems.  Here are a few of his greatest ones.  At a huge festival on the Isle of Wight, 600,000 in attendance, Leonard Cohen performed and the audience...

Top 10 Books Written by Canadians

Kentucky faces devastating flooding with 9 dead and more than a thousand rescued

“Severe flooding has wreaked havoc across Kentucky, leading to more than 1,000 rescues and at least nine death as emergency teams race to help those...”

Trump's comments on Canada prompt surge of patriotism - in a Canadian way | Canada | The Guardian

“Trump's diplomatic trolling has sparked disbelief and defiance - but also revived questions of national identity”