January 20, 2025

Not a GBCW Post, but Definitely a Farewell - DU Has Run its Course for Me

I started on DU in 2001, shortly after it went online. I don't remember the exact date, as that was many usernames ago, but I know that I discussed the antiglobalization protests in Quebec here on DU, and that was April 20-22, 2001, so it was probably a few weeks before that, maybe even March. So, yeah, pre-9/11. Early adopter sorta thing.

I argued often with J. Carlos Jiacinto in those early days, read khephra's LBN posts. I've seen many posters come and go; too many pass away.

I posted in the original threads of many of DU's most famous posts. NYC Olive Garden? Oh, I had my say! I saw the war come, the Mission Accomplished that was only a sad beginning. I was in the mix in the various primary fights, first pro-Obama, later pro-Hillary (contra Bernie). Wrote a few popular posts myself. Pissed off many; probably made a few smile. It's been a trip.

In the interim I've had and (mostly) raised my kids, done OK in my career, moved to different cities, bought a house, and generally lived the majority of my adult life. I've buried both my parents; I'm more or less estranged from one of my siblings (gone Trumpy). The spouse and I have been married for the duration. Twenty-four years on DU. A few hiatuses. Some mandatory, I'm sorry to say!

It's run its course for me. It's hard for me to see this as anything other than hobby at this point, again, for me. And it's not a healthy or useful hobby. Sure, I'll probably drop in from time to time - hard to break a 24 year habit. But I've broken others, and I'm hoping to here as well. For me, there are better ways to spend time. There really have to be. And ultimately, I'm just ready to let others stand the post. Good luck, all (even the gleeful trolls). This too shall pass.

January 18, 2025

Cold My Left Foot... Far More Likely: Ticket Sales were Weak

Hotel bookings were lower than expected, Trump was told he'd have a moderate but not yuuuge crowd, and this is his usual face-saving deflection.

That's what I'm going with until Stephen Miller personally goes on CNN and demonstrates otherwise with indisputable evidence.

January 4, 2025

Giorgia Meloni reported to be en route to US for meeting with Trump

https://www.rainews.it/articoli/2025/01/giorgia-meloni-stati-uniti-incontro-trump-mar-a-lago-46234680-ea1a-45ee-ba4c-b7d3bb654499.html

This is an unannounced and "secret" trip. Trump's transition spokesperson and all-around ass hat Stephen Cheung refused to confirm or deny. Biden will be in Italy next week for his last official trip as President.

Meloni, of course, if part of the European far right, but has tended to be much less far right on some issues than expected, especially in her unswerving support of Ukraine and condemnation of the Russian invasion. (She has been vicious and brutal on other issues, especially LGBTQ and immigration).

Interesting to see what unfolds.

December 28, 2024

Isn't Ginning Up Little Fake Conflicts between the Characters

Part of the Reality TeeVee schtick? Keeps you tuned in, you pick a side, that sort of thing?

December 19, 2024

Why the "joint statement" with Vance on the spending deal?

So, Trump scuttled the imminent spending deal through a statement, but it was a joint statement with JD Vance, his Vice Preside3nt elect. I don't get it. Why do a joint statement with your own Vice President on this? I don't recall Trump needing or wanting some kind of sidekick before, and it actually seems a bit weak to have to drag JD along for the statement.

Ideas on this?

December 11, 2024

Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta expected to be Donald Trump's pick for ambassador to Italy

Tilman Fertitta, the owner of the Houston Rockets as well as the hospitality company Landry's, is expected to be named president-elect Donald Trump's ambassador to Italy, according to Jennifer Jacobs of CBS News. Fertitta, 67, has never held political office before, though he is a well-known political donor that has contributed to a number of candidates over the years, including Trump.

https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/rockets-owner-tilman-fertitta-expected-to-be-donald-trumps-pick-for-ambassador-to-italy/

Un altro scemo.

December 8, 2024

CBS NY: New images of UnitedHealthcare CEO shooting person of interest released

These images are taken post-killing, in the cab ride to the bus terminal on 178th street.

https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/unitedhealthcare-ceo-shooting-central-park-lake/

December 2, 2024

Remember that Ford's Pardon of Nixon was for ANY Federal Violation...

...during a given time period, to wit, January 20, 1969 through August 9, 1974 - the full period of his Presidency. Notice that this isn't even restricted to Watergate-related affairs. It includes every moment of Nixon's Presidency, period.

Whether a pardon carries an imputation of guilt or accepting a pardon means acknowledging guilt in a crime is a fine little question for law professors and philosophers, but has no bearing or effect in the real world. Remember that when the usual pedants come around quoting Burdick.

I say fire up the printer. Let's go.

November 26, 2024

Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito likely to retire within 12 months

Yes or no?

I'd say Thomas is a definite, and they will do that in Year 1 to mark it as an accomplishment. Alito is a maybe, but if he goes, he will go before midterms. I think he knows he's grown a bit long in the tooth, and may just want to retire to his LBI summer joint with his kookoo bananas moglie.

November 25, 2024

Universities advising International Students to Return to US prior to January 20

Many university breaks will last past inauguration day, buit some universities are advising their international students and faculty traveling abroad to be back in the US by January 20. The concern is that Trump may issue Day 1 travel bans that will prevent students and faculty from returning in good order. Some of this is older news - UMass issued their warning about 10 days ago, but more warnings are starting to come in (Boston U, MIT) as schools begin to wrangle with the logistics.