Wait. Where are Those Caravans Going?

When last we heard, the caravans of rabid child rapists and their drug-dealing mothers were almost at our southern border, to which our gallant troops had rushed to make a last desperate defense of the homeland against this pestilential invasion. That was, what? six months ago? Just before the election, as I recall. Time to get an update on the migration invasions.

Here’s one the Trumpits haven’t blown about: thousands of desperate people — 6,000 every per day at just one crossing point in Yuma, Arizona —  swarming across our southern border in search of help. These people represent an existential threat to the US economy, yet the troops already deployed to the border have not been used to stop them.

But wait, there’s more. An organized caravan of migrants on a 600-mile trek across our northern border, all of them intent on wrecking our economy and soaking up free socialistic benefits. Where, you might ask, is the wall that could put a stop to this? Continue reading

Two Grim Fairy Tales: Jobs and the GDP

Fairy Stories

According to this government storyteller, everything is going great. There is reason to doubt.

“Tell me a story.” It may be one of the most often-asked human questions. Beginning in early childhood we all hunger for stories that portray the world as we’d like it to be, peopled with witches and dragons that are easily bested by fairy princesses and handsome princes. The stories weave a happy alternate universe in which Santa lives at the North Pole, the Tooth Fairy creeps our bedroom (in a good way) after we lose a tooth, the Easter Bunny hides chicken eggs in our house and the occasional monster peers out from under our bed. In recent decades, of course, “tell me a story” has been replaced by “turn on the TV,” or “where is my IPad,” but the need is the same.

All of which is fine as long as at some point, preferably well before adulthood, we abandon our enchanted kingdoms for the real world and start dealing with people and events as they are. At a certain age, when Mom and Dad insist that Santa came down the chimney to put the presents under the tree, you know better. When the pundits tell you the president “runs” the economy, and is doing a masterful job, you know better.  But the yearning to hear a familiar story again, to linger in a happy world even if it is imaginary, goes deep and lasts long. It has to be one reason an awful lot of Americans are so gullible when offered a fairy tale. Continue reading

Wag the Venezuelan Dog

Staging wars to distract people from the foibles of a president can be funny (as the 1998 movie showed) but they did it on a movie set, not in an actual country.

Collapsing empires are often presided over by emperors who are both evil and insane. We don’t know why this is so, it just is. But on the other hand, as the psychiatrist M. Scott Peck (The Road Less Travelled, People of the Lie) observed, “It is well that evil is so stupid.” And we can be thankful that the entire Trump administration is so epically dumb that it cannot do all the damage to the world that it wants to do. Case in point: their Keystone Kops maneuvers to impose their imperial will on Venezuela.

Why Venezuela? Simple. The country sits astride the largest reserves of undeveloped crude oil in the world — an estimated 300 billion barrels. Yes, that’s more than Saudi Arabia claims, and almost 10 times estimated US reserves. So once again, God has played a cruel joke by putting our oil under someone else’s country, but there’s more about Venezuela that irritates the hell out of American imperialists.

For one thing, Venezuela is persistently, maddeningly socialist. Hugo Chavez, good friend to Fidel Castro, served as president for 14 years, during which time he won eight elections and referenda, won approval of a new constitution that guaranteed unprecedented rights and freedoms to the people (71% of the voters approved it) and became the most popular head of state in the Western Hemisphere if not the world. Continue reading

The Sound of a Techno-Crash: Boeing, Boeing

The Boeing 737 Max, the most technologically advanced airliner there is, a.k.a. a thoroughly crapified and deadly airplane, currently grounded.

The Boeing 737 Max is an almost perfect embodiment of all the trends driving the industrial age to destruction: the worship of money to the exclusion of all other values; government of the people, for the industrialists; and a pathetic faith in ever more complex technological solutions for simple problems.

When brand-new 737 Maxes began to fall out of the sky — an Indonesian airliner crashed in October, an Ethiopian ship in April, with a total death toll of 346 souls — the entire fleet of 393 aircraft, each worth over $100 million, was and remains grounded. The search for a cause of the crashes immediately focussed on a software upgrade. You know, like the Windows 10 updates that come unbidden in the middle of the night and obliterate all your computer files, or the sudden improvements that turn your useful cell phone into a maddening, contrary, spastic piece of junk (or is that just my experience?).   Continue reading

Anti-Predictions You Can Rely On

As long as there have been Popular Mechanics Magazines there have been predictions of personal carplanes. Ain’t gonna happen.

Forests have been sacrificed for their paper and Arabian kingdoms deflated for their oil to provide scribes and pundits with the materials and energy necessary to propagate predictions. This is wrong on many levels, but to name two: news was better when it consisted of reporting what happened, rather than spinning predictions of what might happen; and secondly, nobody ever predicts what’s not going to happen. Fake news not only fails to tell us what is happening, it never tells us what is not going to happen. Let us begin to correct that situation here and now.

 

Five Things That Ain’t Never Gonna Happen:
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Mea Culpa

Mark me down for yet another unannounced, unauthorized vacation (in an undisclosed, secure location) from the rigors of chronicling the crash of the industrial age. In the past these respites have been enforced by mental roadblocks — depression, writer’s block, whatever you want to call it — but this one is different.

I’ve always had an unspoken deal with you, Dear Reader (if you’re still there, and if you are not I certainly understand), that I will write here only when I believe I have something valid to say, not to fill a hole or meet a contrived schedule. But with each passing year it has become less possible to know, with any reasonable degree of confidence, what is going on anywhere. The people and publications doing honest reporting are declining rapidly in both number and quality, leaving us observers adrift in a toxic sea of misinformation, propaganda and drivel. Our collapsing empire is increasingly insane, from the emperor on down, and there is no alchemy by which lunacy can be turned into anything useful.

Nothing the president says about anything can be believed. No utterance of any politician or bureaucrat or industrialist can be taken at face value (don’t trust, and verify). The bimbos and bimbettes of the mainstream media are happily gamboling through the woods chasing the pretty little squirrels who are running for president, ignoring the fact that the woods are on fire, a hurricane approaches and a tsunami looms offshore. How can one pretend to think, much less write, sanely in an insane world?

Well, if you’re a member of the orchestra on the Titanic, and your world is going down, you keep playing. Not because you think it will save the ship, or even be of much comfort to the panicked passengers, but because it’s what you do. If you don’t play your instrument, then you just die in silence.

So I shall try to write on, as and when I can do it with some confidence of validity, because writing is what I do, and if I don’t write I’m just sitting here listening to the ship fill with water. As Hamlet asked of Horatio, I shall absent me from my vacation yet a while, and in this harsh world draw breath in pain, to tell its story. Or at least, the next chapter.   

Need Home Repair?

Our homes are more than just places of shelter; they’re our sanctuaries. But, as time passes, wear and tear inevitably take their toll. This is where the significance of home repairs comes into play, addressing various aspects like plumbing, electrical work, roofing, and more. In this blog post, we’ll explore the essential role of home repairs in maintaining the integrity and comfort of our cherished spaces.

1. Plumbing Repairs:

Plumbing issues can range from minor inconveniences like leaky faucets to major problems like burst pipes. Swift and effective plumbing repairs are essential for preventing water damage and maintaining the functionality of your home. Neglected leaks can lead to structural issues and mold growth. Timely plumbing repairs not only save you money in the long run but also ensure the safety and hygiene of your living space.

2. Electrical Work:

Electrical systems are the lifeblood of modern homes, but they require proper maintenance and repairs. Faulty wiring or outdated electrical components can pose fire hazards. Regular inspections and prompt electrical repairs are crucial for ensuring the safety of your home and its occupants. From flickering lights to tripped circuits, addressing electrical issues promptly is essential. You can learn more about electrical repairs here or visit sites like https://sandmelectricinc.com/ for additional guidance.

3. Roofing Maintenance:

Your roof is your home’s first line of defense against the elements. Roofing repairs and maintenance are critical for protecting your investment. Leaky or damaged roofs can lead to costly water damage, compromised insulation, and even structural issues. By addressing roofing problems via quality roofing services as they arise and performing regular maintenance, you safeguard your home from the harsh forces of nature. Visit sites like https://americanaroofing.net/ or https://imageroofing.com/pearland/ for additional guidance on roofing repairs.

4. Garage Repairs:

More than curb appeal, you garage also serves as an entry point. Therefore, it’s advised to keep it in top shape as to avoid burglars or thieves getting into your home. This may include repairing dependable garage door windows or garage door replacement.

In conclusion, home repairs are the foundation of a safe, comfortable, and functional living space. Whether it’s plumbing, electrical work, roofing, or any other aspect of your home, addressing issues promptly and investing in regular maintenance is a proactive approach to preserving your haven. It’s not just about fixing what’s broken; it’s about safeguarding the place where cherished memories are made and ensuring it remains a source of security and joy for years to come.

Why You Should Visit The Dentist

Visiting the dentist regularly is crucial for maintaining optimal oral health and overall well-being. While many people may only think of dental check-ups as necessary when experiencing pain or discomfort, routine dental visits offer numerous benefits that extend beyond just preventing cavities. Here’s why seeing a dentist for oral health is essential:

First and foremost, regular dental check-ups help prevent oral health problems before they escalate into more significant issues. During these appointments, dentists can identify early signs of cavities, gum disease, and oral cancer, allowing for prompt intervention and treatment. This proactive approach not only saves patients from potential pain and discomfort but also helps avoid costly and invasive procedures down the line.

Moreover, dental visits provide an opportunity for professional cleaning and plaque removal. Even with diligent brushing and flossing at home, it’s challenging to remove all plaque and tartar buildup, especially in hard-to-reach areas. Dental hygienists have the tools and expertise to thoroughly clean teeth and gums, reducing the risk of gum disease and tooth decay.

Regular dental check-ups also contribute to overall health and well-being. Research has shown that oral health is closely linked to systemic health, with poor oral hygiene being associated with various medical conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory infections. By maintaining good oral health, individuals can lower their risk of developing these systemic diseases and enjoy better overall health outcomes.

Furthermore, dental visits offer an opportunity for personalized oral hygiene education and guidance. Dentists like this Private Dentist Cardiff and hygienists can provide valuable advice on proper brushing and flossing techniques, as well as recommend oral care products tailored to individual needs. This education empowers patients to take control of their oral health and make informed decisions about their dental care routines.

Additionally, seeing a dentist regularly allows for early detection and treatment of dental issues specific to certain age groups. For example, older adults may be more susceptible to tooth decay and gum disease due to factors such as dry mouth and medication side effects. By addressing these concerns early on, dentists can help older adults maintain their oral health and quality of life as they age.

In conclusion, seeing a dentist for regular check-ups is essential for maintaining optimal oral health and overall well-being. From preventing cavities and gum disease to promoting systemic health and providing personalized oral hygiene guidance, dental visits offer a wide range of benefits that contribute to a healthier smile and a happier life. Therefore, it’s crucial to prioritize dental care and schedule routine check-ups to ensure a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.

Democracy: Paralyzed, Lost

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Mark it down in your diary that in the first month of 2019 we all saw with our own eyes that the two leading democratic governments in the world — the United States and the United Kingdom — were in the thrall of an unprecedented seizure, unable to act, sliding toward irrevocable division, chaos and ruin. A third democracy — France — was spiraling through the smoke of widespread violence and nascent rebellion toward a very hard landing indeed. And there were many others, such as Venezuela, disintegrating before our eyes.

The government of the United States has been hamstrung by a partial shutdown that has lasted longer than any other such political gambit in history. (The Donald is fond of saying he is doing something “for the first time in history,” but for him all history begins with him — for him, this is the year 72 A.D., or “after Donald.”) But really, never in the history of our republic has the government been crippled for so long, never so many people deprived of their livelihood, over a policy dispute that is supposed to be settled by voting. Continue reading

Unearned Money is Destroying the World

Piles of unused cash are toxic to their owners and to the world. We know how to fix that. (Photo by Andrew Magill)

What an investment deal I got for you. Get your checkbook ready, you’re gonna love this. We buy a bunch of bicycles, see, and we put them out all over the place for people to rent, really cheap. They just grab a bike, go wherever, and leave it. To get them used to the deal, we gotta buy a ton of bikes, really saturate the city. And we give them a few months free, then we charge them a little bit a month. Small fees, big numbers, we’ll make 20, 30 per cent on the money for sure. Why did you put your checkbook away? What could possibly go wrong?

You say it reminds you of the oldest joke in retail, about the guy who found a wholesale source of shoes for ten dollars a pair and planned to sell them for nine dollars a pair? Asked how he expected to make any money, he replied, “Volume!”

Yes, the bicycle scheme sounds just that dumb. Yet in a frenzy that came out of nowhere just two years ago, 40 — count them, 40 — companies in China raised over $2 billion in venture capital to execute the bicycles-for-hire business plan in cities around the world. In a few crazed months, in addition to the venture capital, one startup — Mobike — was acquired for $2 billion. Another — Meituan — did an initial public offering of stock that raised $4.2 billion. Continue reading