Happy Hour

Get happy

Afternoon

 Busy as I often am these days.

Enshittification

Roku UIs (either the sticks or installed TV software) are the only ones that don't make me want to Elvis my the TV.

On Monday Fox announced it would acquire Roku for $160 per share in a cash-and-stock transaction. Fox plans to fund the cash portion of the deal with a combination of cash on hand and new debt. The company said it obtained a $12 billion loan for the transaction.

They want to control the streaming pipes, of course, which is of greater concern than my UI experience. 

Unconditional Surrender

I am not optimistic that any "deal" will stick - Netanyahu and the insane Iran hawks who still dominate the Professional Republicans of DC will make sure of that even if Trump was in some sense willing. 

I am confident that our media will never quite portray that any "deal" will be an absolutely humiliating loss, with the war setting US crass interests back significantly.

Setting back crass US interests significantly is not necessarily bad, depending on your perspective.

President Deals

Not much of an agreement then (and for other reasons). 

Israeli officials said the country is not bound by the U.S.-Iran agreement to end its fight with Hezbollah or to pull its forces out of Lebanon. President Trump, Pakistani mediators and Iran said the deal includes a cessation of hostilities on all fronts, including in Lebanon.

Morning

Maudlin Monday

Sunday Night

Enjoy

Southland Tales (2006)

 

Oh No

 

At Least The War Is Over

If Iran sticks with its insistence that any deal involves Israel not bombing Beirut/Lebanon, Israel will violate it instantly.

...and

Iran says 'no point' in US talks after Beirut strike, casting doubt on deal

Are You Suggesting A General Lack Of Respect For Standard Security Protocols

I don’t know if is is true or just an attempt to criminalize leakers, but I do not think anyone should be surprised if Trumpers do not respect protocols.

Top White House officials believe New York Times reporters Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan obtained audio recordings of Situation Room meetings for their forthcoming book, "Regime Change."

Why it matters: Such a taped leak would be a shocking breach of one of the most secure settings on Earth. Independent recording devices in the Situation Room are forbidden.

Nor do I think journalists should pretend to be surprised.

 

Morning

Sunday funday

At Least The War Is Over

It looks like Trump is planning to announce a nonexistent deal with fake details for his birthday bug party.

Cheering For Bugs

You can do it, little guys.

The biggest threat to Donald Trump’s lavish UFC birthday bash may not be a lawsuit, a heatwave, or Americans outraged by the spectacle at the White House.

It might be the bugs.

Afternoon

Busy

At Least The War Is Over

More talk of imminent deals, along with more belligerence.

Even I occasionally buy into the idea that "this time" it is real.

I suspect there is no way to make a deal without various hawks and Israel calling him a big loser.

Morning

Slacker Saturday 

Happy Hour

Get happy

Ah, Well, Nevertheless

It was worth it anyway

 

The newly renovated Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool seems unable to escape an old haunt: algae blooming in the shallow water.

Thin layers of algae floated on the World War II Memorial side of the pool Friday morning, even after workers were seen cleaning out algae from the bottom of the pool Wednesday.

Dow Soars On Bullshit, Other Bullshit