Open Microphone

Blog Post
Larry-Lambert

Caption: As the US slows and Thanksgiving approaches, I wish you safe travels.

 

 

Feel free to express yourself and rant on the topics you’ll discuss with your family and friends at the Thanksgiving dinner table. I’m sure I’ll miss a couple of days’ worth of blogs here and there.

 

Quotables: The thing that you have to remember about managing espionage (Grasshopper) is that you are not just a manager but also a magician. As any professional magician will tell you, every magic trick has three parts: what people see, what they remember, and what they tell others about what they saw. You want the audience to swear the body disappeared or the rabbit jumped out of the hat. But they will say so only because you made them look elsewhere at the critical moment.

 

Car Ads (no, not a joke)

graphic h/t WSF, the Car Guy

Jaguar may not know how to sell new cars with ads featuring trannies and freaks, but Aston Martin knows how to sell used ones. The British double down. They explain that it’s not a Star Trek experience. You’re not going where no man has before, but you’ll go in style.

 

Bullet Points:

** What you didn’t know about water. It’s not just about EdB’s boating adventures anymore.

** Washington Post – Getting on the Trump Train and DOGE – suggests, “$160 billion in reduced costs could come from checking Medicaid eligibility more than once per year.” Why aren’t we checking now?

** Peterson on how power comes from within.

** On October 7, Hamas committed one of the deadliest massacres in modern history. In response, last week, ICC issued arrest warrants for the Israeli prime minister and defense minister and for a dead Hamas terrorist killed four months ago.

** I have told a few people, ‘You should take a vacation outside the country around the time of inauguration, just to see what happens.’ Just go on a routine vacation and see what happens come January 20th, 21st, or 22nd. I hear Angola is lovely this time of year—and it does not have an extradition treaty with the USA.

** Driving to Thanksgiving dinner with PaulM – make God your co-pilot.

** MEMO TO ELON AND VIVEK: You likely already know this but don’t fire anyone. Eliminate their position instead. Firing leads to protracted, drawn-out litigation in which the civil servant runs out the clock until President Newsom or Adam Schiff takes office. Eliminating the position shouldn’t land you in court. Deciding which jobs go first is easy. Wait for a snowstorm in DC. Say only essential workers should show up for work. The next day, eliminate the positions of everyone who stayed home.

** Nikki Haley, Trump’s most significant Republican primary opponent, now feels scorned for being left off the nomination list. She argued on her radio show against confirming Gabbard as director of national intelligence and Kennedy to lead Health and Human Services.” She wants that seat opening on The View.

** Flying with MikeW. Any landing you can walk away from is a good one.

** Nielsen data show that MSNBC’s ratings are 40 percent of what they were last year in the wake of Donald Trump’s electoral victory. The Daily Beast said, “execs are counting on viewers to come back the way they did in 2016 once Trump’s administration gets underway,” NBCUniversal parent company, Comcast, is looking to unload its cable assets, which have dragged on its share price.  2025 isn’t 2016. I’m sure the channel will go the way of the dodo bird, the iron horse, and CNN.

** If tariffs are as inflationary as Fortune and Walmart claim, why was the annual inflation rate only 1.9% under President Trump even after he imposed tariffs on Red China? Estimates say that Chinese suppliers make up 70% to 80% of Walmart’s merchandise, leaving less than 20% for American-made products.

 

Lab Monkeys

(link) “Monkeys have and will most likely continue to be used in gain-of-function research in laboratories worldwide,” Hooker said. “This is extremely concerning because of the similarities between monkey and human physiology. Compounding the concern  is the propensity for lab leaks, including monkeys that escape from the lab.”

Nass suggested it may be time to ask what these animals are being used for. “If it is to perform gain-of-function (biowarfare) research, which everyone used to believe was illegal according to the Biological Weapons Convention of 1975, maybe it is time to say ‘No more,’” Nass said.

Latypova expressed skepticism that gain-of-function research can be performed successfully. But, “what can be achieved can still be dangerous. They are creating bio-chemical poisons. They are also creating fake narratives about pandemics, driving people to fear and self-destructive behavior, including mRNA vaccinations.”

 

Meme of the Day (h/t Frank)

 

At Las Vegas, the Temple of the Living Elvis

It’s about time. Unlike the slot machines on the casino floors, bathrooms get cleaned all day long, so this will be a very sanitary way to play.

 

Identify the Vehicle

Is it possible that Surly is writing his own code?

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This one-off vehicle is famous for the guy who rode in it.

 

By Popular Request – Identify the Battle Beagle

h/t bobbookworm

 

End

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51 thoughts on “Open Microphone”

  1. 5 is Dorchester 4 X 4 Armoured Command Vehicle captured from British, repainted and used by Rommel.

      1. Yes I meant 6 too long a week already. 250 miles between job sites Monday and the same today and tomorrow.

        1 looks to be T35 multi turret tank

  2. Just because Jaguar shot itself in the face (nice one, RawDon gLover — geez, is that his real name?) doesn’t mean Bud Light is off the hook. Shane Gillis or no. I avoid Bud Light because of the “sex in a canoe” thing, but even if it were worth drinking I’d go out of my way to not buy it. Nothing short of a full confession and apology will do. What’s happening right now is the equivalent of your supposed girlfriend love bombing you and pretending everything is fine after she very publicly went home with some skeevy guy, and now is back after a month of repeatedly being seen in public playing tonsil hockey with said skeevy guy. “It didn’t mean anything [1]. YOU’RE the only one I love!”
    [1] hint to cheating idiots that say this: this does NOT make it better. It makes it worse. MUCH worse.
    —
    Gain of function and general weaponizing of infectious disease: It’s not my area of expertise, but it’s highly likely that work is going on across multiple labs linking virulence-enhanced organisms with specific genetic markers for targeting. Successful (and increasingly hated) distinctly-identifiable groups such as the Han and the Ashkenazim should be particularly concerned, I’m thinking. O Brave New World that has such horrors in it.

    1. When the sleazy, slimy, absentee girlfriend returns with a baby in her belly (honest, it’s yours, Mike_C) and an incurable STD and wants you to take her in and take her shopping, you’ll remember the commercial advertisement and Forrest Gump. Maybe go for a LONG run. Anyway, I’m using Mike_C as a metaphor here.
      –
      When the war with China starts, expect the CRISPR research to come home to roost in China.

      1. I may not be a smart man, Jen-neh, but of course it’s mine. Apparently I get around and am having fun I can’t even remember. 🤔 And who knew that the baby would manifest that “1.9% West African DNA” (that 23andme says I have [1]) so dramatically? Well, at least little Dontray Miketavious (the GF says she “just likes the name”) will have no trouble getting into college even with a total SAT score of 950. O! Frabjous day! 😍

        [1] This is a made-up fact for humoristic purposes. But is there ANYONE that the commercial DNA services don’t say is part negro?

        1. me, i’m the whitest mofo in the universe. according to all the dna sites at least. i was told great granny was cherokee and she looked it plus she knew all the herbs etc. i used to help her gather roots n such. anyway, zero anything outside of ireland and scotland.

        2. Per “23 & Me”, I have zero %.
          .
          What is surprising is that I have a noticeable amount of “Oriental” blood in me. Guess my Eastern European ancestors must have met the Huns…….

  3. Identify the Vehicle:
    1. T-35
    2. Sd.Kfz. 251/9 – Schützenpanzerwagen (7.5 cm KwK37)
    3. M36 tank destroyer
    4. L6/40 tanks
    5. Panzerjaeger I
    6. Captured AEC armoured command vehicle used by Rommel
    By Popular Request – Identify the Battle Beagle:
    Snoopy

      1. Let Musk program you, and you’ll never need sleep again. He has those nuralink boxes that can be embedded in your skull beside the other firmware.

      2. Nice work as usual Surly. Be sure to program in the REM sleep code deep into your CPU since you’re not able to experience the joy of the turkey sandwich triptifan coma. I’ve noticed you’ve been more descriptive in your identification process. New programming? Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours! Lastly, stay away from moisture and wear a Faraday mesh cape.
        -STA Lethal

  4. Family has started to gather for Thanksgiving. First arrivals showed up about thirty minutes ago. Happy Thanksgiving to everyone.

    1. They arrived early. I hope that you were able to fill the larder before their arrival. Happy Thanksgiving!

  5. Aston-Martin- That particular “ad” was deemed not from them (well, they denied it but who could know?)…but for sure got the point across. A Vanquish is not in my future but it is a perfect “coupe” for British motoring….the Top Gear Boys always enjoyed the A-M fare while heading to the North country for a pint, while we got some of the best visual production only they could pull off so well.
    ***
    Point of Note: I NEVER travel West of Laramie towards Rawlins/Rock Springs in the Winter or Holidays, Elk Mountain has an alien-level weather gravity pull…and…people are stupid drivers. Know one of the local Wyo Troopers…the stories are…”incredible” (this is a family blog). Just one story: An Aussie gal was late for her flight home out of DIA – about 4+ hours away from Rawlins. She was clocked on her bike (yeah, maybe an LL type, forgot what he said she was riding) at 138 mph weaving in and out of traffic…at night. He follows her for 30 minutes but she’s not conceding. Multiple troopers block I-80 forcing her to exit…she wrecks, ends up handcuffed to the hospital bed. Missed her flight. My comment: “She should have left a little sooner.” So no, when weather hits on that [stupidly located stretch of I-80] I stay at the homestead because even on nice days drivers stop paying attention.
    –
    Okay…okay…another: Last year Thanksgiving at our place…some Laramie contingent…starts to snow and get [more] cold…and dark. Trooper and fiance are here. They leave slightly ahead of the group, comes back…huge wreck where our “compound” (as the MSM would define it…because…gates) meets up with the main N-S road. Icy…yet people kept going 65mph and went into the ditch, cable railing, etc. A mess. He dons the gear and takes care of calling “the agencies”. Had guests overnight…which is normal for rural, so “fun”.
    ***
    Snoopy and The Red Barron…my favorite vignette, plus the song was great.

      1. Definitely not going to Costco today, might be able to get in if I park in the North 40, but won’t be able to get out.

    2. “I NEVER travel West of Laramie towards Rawlins/Rock Springs in the Winter or Holidays, Elk Mountain has an alien-level weather gravity pull…and…people are stupid drivers.”
      Aw man – where’s your sense of adventure? Too many semis on their sides off and on I-80. Avoid the crazies – take the back roads! (402/Rattlesnake Pass) … and an emergency kit. Ask me how I know :)

      1. Heh, I do, or wait for a decent day and travel off hours. Have not been that particular way mostly due to wanting to get from point A to B without a whole lot of side tracking….but there are a couple…seriously, only about 2 other options to stay mostly off 80 if one is not in a hurry or not in need of services. (Pro-Tip: take proper gear, provisions, and fuel up in Laramie…and always include a bag of Chili Cheese Fritos.)

  6. So is some insider driving down Jaguar’s value so some insider can buy it cheap, or is it just the fa@@ rubbing it in our faces?

    1. I think that the transhomo community is trying to remain valid by promoting a car that will be as toxic as Bud Lite. It’s funny to us but in the UK where gender confusion has reached a fever pitch, it’s “normal.” To drive a Jag here in the US now is to announce that you walk on the wild side and the butt guys will be lining up outside your public restroom stall for a turn.

  7. gain of function research should be done, on those that want to do gof research. ….everybody’s celebrating jack-ass smith dropping the charges on trump as a victory. news flash- he’s dropping them to refile them in a better way that’s more likely to get to court. it ain’t over folks, it ain’t over until some of them are swinging from lamp posts…..i’ll be kitted up, locked n loaded in my basement bunker on inauguration day, lol….happy thanksgiving LL and folks. much to be thankful for this year among them this blog. it keeps me sane to see there are others like myself still inhabiting this rock. carry on mr. bowditch.

    1. I suspect that Pam Bondi will de-nut the anti-Trump crowd in DOJ. The NY people and the Atlanta people will likewise feel the pinch. Pres. Trump will appear to be disinterested but you can bet your last round at Bedminster that he won’t be until they’re all packed safely out of reach.

      2. De-nut…Trying to decide what “treatment” Ms. Bondi could use to sensitize current and future sufferers of TDS to keep their mouths shut by keeping a low profile or stay in the closet. Banding or the knife? Each has it’s own beneficial results for this particular situation.

      3. Pam will refile. Then move to dismiss with prejudice. Then audit Jack Smith’s office down to the last paperclip.

  9. >>Deciding which jobs go first is easy. Wait for a snowstorm in DC. Say only essential workers should show up for work. The next day, eliminate the positions of everyone who stayed home.<<
    I like it!
    ~~~~
    The Aston Martin ad is the best!

  10. I-80 Wyoming Elk Mountain and I-70 Colorado Georgetown to Glenwood Springs. Where local greed and stupidity meet head on.
    Paul M gives a good summation (comment above) on Elk Mountain. The better route was US 30 but no, a few miles longer. Winters when I need to go in that direction that is the route I take. In fact, I take that route year around. No semi trucks to speak of.
    The logical route for I-70 would be US 40 with tunnels at the foot of Berthoud Pass. Several tunnels go under James Peak dating back to the 1920’s and the geology is well known. Instead, build two tunnels at 11,000′ with unknown geology at great expense, long delays, and several worker deaths. Then extend the route through Glenwood Canyon at even more expense.

  11. My wife will greet people at the door on Thanksgiving by asking them if they want to sit at the Trump table, the Sad Donkey table, or on the floor with me, who is drunk and trying to dress the dog.

  12. My grandfather built roads all around Wyoming from the 1930s to the 1960s. I’ve talked about I-80 with people familiar with roads in that area. Before the interstate, the roads followed the land and were built with an awareness of the wind and snow. They were usable most of the time. I-80 cut straight through were no sane local would have ever built a road. It does make for entertaining pictures.

    1. According to friends, the locals tried to tell them not to run the route there, but the eggheads knew better. WSF is correct on both accounts…but hey, some folks (aka. Politicians) got awards and accolade for the I-70 Glenwood Canyon bit.

  13. Flying with MikeW. Nicely done. Looks like they didn’t get a green light for the nose gear.
    ——-
    ——-
    This is my Dad’s AT-6 story.
    —
    It is the fall of 1945, and the war is over. My dad has returned to CONUS from England after his combat tour flying 35 missions as a B-17 pilot with the 447th Bomb Group. He is stationed in San Diego, and has been tasked with transferring some number of AT-6’s from there up to Oakland. Suffice it to say that he is now an “old hand”. He has this down pat.
    –
    Stretch out pre-flight, paperwork, whatever through Monday into Tuesday until it is too late to make the flight. Make flight Wednesday, stop in Fresno for fuel, arrive Oakland late afternoon. Spend Thursday with post-flight, paperwork, whatever. Now no point in catching a train to RTB because it will be the weekend. Spend Friday and Saturday at his folk’s place where he grew up, catch a train for San Diego on Sunday. Rinse, lather, repeat.
    –
    One fine day, a freshly minted infantry 2Lt. asks my dad if he can get a ride. “Sure thing” says my dad. Tells 2Lt when to report to the field and to check out a chute. They head out at the appointed time and land in Fresno for fuel, then off again to Oakland. They are cruising north, snowy mountains far to the east, blue pacific far to the west. Life is good. But, a little bumpy. So my dad requests, and is cleared for an altitude change, which smooths out the ride.
    –
    About the time my dad’s watch tells him he is arriving, he checks his landmarks. Yup, there’s the mountain, there’s the bridge over the bay, there’s ….wait, whut?
    Oops, that’s not Mt. Hamilton, that’s Mt. Diablo, and that’s not the Dumbarton bridge, that’s the San Francisco Bay Bridge. You see, at the Fresno fuel stop, he neglected to check the pilot report board, and so was unaware that his altitude change also gave him a tail wind. He has flown past the airport. As I mentioned, the war just ended, and folks are still a bit jumpy about un-accounted for aircraft in the sky. If you arrive too far outside your ETA, you will fill out stacks of forms explaining WHY you arrived outside your ETA.
    –
    They are at about 7000 ft. My dad contacts Oakland control and says he is about to enter the pattern. He tells his passenger to tighten his straps and hang on. He then rolls the plane on its back and executes a screaming split-S to lower altitude, enters the pattern, lands, taxis to the ramp, and shuts down. He steps out on the wing, and checks on his passenger. The 2Lt. is green, and has possibly wet himself. He struggles to exit the cockpit, and in the process, snags the release for his parachute, which deploys over the tail of the plane. He makes a feeble effort to gather the chute, gives up and hits the release, and is last seen desperately running for a place to heave his cookies.

    1. This is a great story. And well told too; I could picture it in my mind’s eye.
      It would also make a wonderful short film.

  14. “Say only essential workers should show up for work. The next day, eliminate the positions of everyone who stayed home.”
    I’ve been saying this for years (working for a state agency managing Fed property, in engineering & plant maintenance). Storms, fire, earthquake, riots, “bad air day” (wish I was kidding)… Non-essentials can stay home… If they ARE non-essential, then why do they get paid more, and get to sit home when things get “icky”??? Rolling blackouts a few years ago, high dollar self-important chest thumpers came in, set up an “operations center” proceeded to call for catering and pizzas. Jam the radios with BS chatter (I turned mine off after the first hour). I got the plant shutdown safely in spite of them. Would have been easier if “they” had stayed home, every time they got a new delivery the call would go out. It was a party for them. They all got each other awards and bonuses (even created a pay category for “emergency power outages”). Us technicians, who got the site through the outages, safely. We got an all hands thank you E-mail.
    Non-essential indeed. Good place to start. let them self-identify.

    1. Essential for the egos of the self-important chest thumpers. “I have xxx employees working under me.” It impresses small minds.

    2. i was considered mission essential during covid. eighteen months in they decided i needed a clotshot. i guess i wasn’t so essential after all.

      1. I feel like taking a syringe full of boosting material and punching it into the throat of the administration people who pushed it. Note that I am a man of peace and wouldn’t do it. But …

  17. If you’re travelling for Thanksgiving, travel safe and enjoy the time with family. Or have a ‘group’ Thanksgiving, with folks bringing food to fill out the menu.

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