A planted story takes a bit softer line on Iran than is normal for the press. A concession to reality or a justification of US impotence?
Saturday, December 27, 2025
Are We Stumbling Into World War III in Ukraine?
The West misjudged Russia’s capacity to fight in Ukraine, yet is now cavalierly pursuing escalation. On that path lies nukes.
Global Warming Is Still Accelerating, in Three Graphs
While you were busy watching the wars, national elections or other distractions du jour, global warming keeps marching on.
2:00PM Water Cooler 3/13/2024
~ Today’s Water Cooler: Politics and pandemics, and Boeing’s ongoing debacle + Eames Chairs ~
Sink the Hessen! Russia Doesn’t Have To Strike Beyond the Ukrainian Battlefield – The German, French, British and US Governments Are Sinking Themselves
German plotting, French bluster, domestic polling, and possible Russian countermoves and next steps.
Ultra-Processed People in an Ultra-Processed World
The scientific, health, and political debate over the true cost of ultra–processed has just gone mainstream….which is late.
Global South Stagnating Under Heavier Debt Burden
Much higher interest rates – due to Western central banks – damage developing nations via prolonged debt distress and stagnation.
The Question Of Alevi Minority In Turkiye And Its Religious Identity
On the history of the Alevi sect in Turkiye, particularly its political and social standing.
2:00PM Water Cooler 3/12/2024
~ Today’s Water Cooler: Besides Covid and Political coverage, Boeing, spooks and gaming, TikTok, and the Water Cooler fundraiser ~
Rob Urie: The CIA and the Decline of the American Empire
Some ruminations on the role of the CIA, particularly its relationship to Presidents.
UK Medicines Regulator MHRA’s Role As Pharma “Enabler” During Pandemic Comes Under Microscope
“We feel compelled to conclude that the MHRA has indeed become an enabler for the pharmaceutical industry, with patient safety no longer being its primary concern.”
New Storyline in Wall Street Journal: “Russia Is Running Out of Missiles” Shifts to “Russia Can’t Keep Up Production Forever”
A careful reading of a sighting in what may be a new campaign to shore up Western hopes in the light of Russia’s military outproduction.
Will Trump Election Bring Back Isolationism and Threaten NATO?
Looking at how Trump current rhetoric contrasts with his past actions, and why those actions are likely a better predictor.
