~ Today’s Water Cooler: Politics, Pandemics, Trump’s trial continues, Biden and Trump to debate (without Kennedy), raw milk enthusiasts resist H5N1 “fearmongering”, North Carolina’s horrid anti-masking law, and how to make sure it doesn’t pass. ~
Friday, December 26, 2025
The Arsenal of Genocide: The U.S. Weapons That Are Destroying Gaza
Naming and shaming the weapons systems and manufacturers who are profiting from the slaughter in Gaza.
Game Finally On! Judge Denies Key Motions to Dismiss in Kentucky Retirement Systems Litigation, Subjecting KKR, Blackstone, PAAMCO, and Top Financiers Henry Kravis, George Roberts, Steve Schwarzman, and Tomlinson Hill to Discovery
The much-delayed Kentucky Retirement System cases are finally moving forward, causing heartburn to some top names on Wall Street.
US Wars Are Making Türkiye’s Relationship With the West Politically Untenable
US support of Israel is creating an increasingly volatile situation in NATO’s second most important country. Meanwhile, sanctions and threat of sanctions keep coming over “aiding” Russia and Iran.
What ‘The Wire’ Teaches About Institutions
“The Wire” as a worked example on the nature and pace of change. Do you agree?
2:00PM Water Cooler 5/14/2024
~ Today’s Water Cooler: Politics, pandemics, Michael Cohen’s “legal services,” surrealism, cave art ~
How Geopolitics Is Changing Trade
Western measures against Russia and China measures have affected global trade. But what of actual winners and losers?
Why Are Argentina’s Highest-Denomination Currency Bills Being Printed By a State-Owned Company in China?
Javier Milei on the campaign trail, eight months ago: “Not only am I not going to do business with China, I am not going to do business with any communist.”
Climate Change Is Affecting Mental Health Literally Everywhere
How climate change exacts a psychological toll, and what if anything to do.
The US, Israel, and the ‘Anti-Semitism’ Fraud
Since it clearly needs to be said early and often, the campaign to demonize opponents of Israel’s genocide as anti-Semites is a complete crock.
Apple’s “Crush” Ad, Rentierism, and the End of Capitalism?
Apple’s dystopian ode to rentierism.
2:00PM Water Cooler 5/13/2024
~ Today’s Water Cooler: Semi-open thread ~
Where Have All the Babies Gone? Falling Birthrates All Over the World Alarm Leaders, Businessmen, Economists
On the baby bust/falling birthrates freakout.
