Times Radio: Dr. Mike Martin on the Ukrainian counteroffensive. [Click] He also reports rumors of a Ukrainian thrust toward Mariupol and anticipates that when Ukraine can do that, it will effectively destroy the Russian invasion. He had not expected it until next year, after the winter.
This morning our old cat we feared was dying is much better! Yesterday he was sitting up a bit, grooming himself some, and ate a bit. This morning he got up onto our bed (first time in quite a while), started purring when I held him and scratched his head. When I picked him up to carry him to the living room he was having none of it--jumped down and went trotting ahead of us. He ate just a tiny amount of food, but went outside and drank a lot of water from the bowl on the patio table, then came back inside, groomed himself for a while and settled down, still looking around. Pretty good! I wonder if he ate a bad gopher or some such.
Francis Fukuyama: Why Ukraine Will Win [Click] “The war in Ukraine, now in its seventh month, marks a critical juncture that will determine the course of global democracy. There are three important points to be made about its significance.”
Fukuyama makes some very good points, but fails to mention the economic, educational, industrial, demographic, and political fragility of the Russian Federation. IMO.
It’s Time to Prepare for a Ukrainian Victory [Click] The liberation of Russian-occupied territory might bring down Vladimir Putin— and indeed the Russian Federation itself. Who then to negotiate with?
We've had an, er, interesting day. While I was in a meeting, Wil got an email about a service we had purchased needing renewal. He didn't want to renew, so called the number and one thing lead to another until he realised the guy on the phone he was working with must not be from that place's tech support after all, and the guy currently had control of his computer and could see our bank account. They guy moved our savings into our checking and Wil immediately did a hard shut down and the guy got very upset. While still talking to the guy, Wil drove the half mile to our bank and was able to clue in the tellar while the guy was still on the phone. Eventually the head tellar took his phone and had words with the guy, while the bank shut down the whole works. Awesome. So we now have a new bank account, and the guy never got to take any of our money. =Whew!=. As my meeting ended, I got a text message from Wil at the bank, so I went over to sign some documents with him and all's well. Then Wil went out and bought a new computer and will have his old one wiped.
We like fixable problems, and the good folks at the bank are going to get a box of chocolates tomorrow!!
We are informing the Attorney General's office. The bank's head teller was thrilled that Wil had kept the guy on the phone while driving there. They hardly ever get to speak to the perpetrator and I think some information was obtained that way.
The Guardian: Moscow fireworks contrast with worsening news from Ukraine front lines. [Click] “All eyes are now on Putin’s response. Will he try to gloss over the current retreat, as he did the withdrawal from Kyiv, or will he double down with mobilisation or nuclear threats?” There are so many other choices! He could flee to the Maldives (Doesn’t he have a megayacht there?), have a nice cup of Russian tea, fall on some bullets, or have an accident on a fifth floor balcony, lead a charge in Ukraine-— the list goes on and on.
Since there is no formal method in the current Russian constitution for replacing Putin, flight or a replacement with extreme prejudice seem most likely. No matter what becomes of Uncle Vlad, I think the fate of the Russian Federation is sealed. I stand by my suggestion that Ukraine should build a victory monument out of Russian tank and howitzer barrels welded together and coated with bronze. Perhaps surmounted by a statue of Saint Javelin, gazing toward Moscow. (I am inspired by the Victory Column in Berlin.)
"Today, more than 150 prominent Michigan Republicans—including a former head of the Michigan Republican Party—backed Democratic governor Gretchen Whitmer for reelection."
Times Radio: Dr. Mike Martin on the Ukrainian counteroffensive. [Click] He also reports rumors of a Ukrainian thrust toward Mariupol and anticipates that when Ukraine can do that, it will effectively destroy the Russian invasion. He had not expected it until next year, after the winter.
ReplyDeletehttps://digbysblog.net/2022/09/11/a-little-russian-panic-sets-in/
DeleteExcellent, although things are moving too fast for one to keep up with it all! Here is the link clickified. [Click]
DeleteThis morning our old cat we feared was dying is much better! Yesterday he was sitting up a bit, grooming himself some, and ate a bit. This morning he got up onto our bed (first time in quite a while), started purring when I held him and scratched his head. When I picked him up to carry him to the living room he was having none of it--jumped down and went trotting ahead of us. He ate just a tiny amount of food, but went outside and drank a lot of water from the bowl on the patio table, then came back inside, groomed himself for a while and settled down, still looking around. Pretty good! I wonder if he ate a bad gopher or some such.
ReplyDeleteGood news!
DeleteMy goodness, what a surprise! What does your vet say of this transformation? How long was he showing signs of illness?
DeleteFrancis Fukuyama: Why Ukraine Will Win [Click] “The war in Ukraine, now in its seventh month, marks a critical juncture that will determine the course of global democracy. There are three important points to be made about its significance.”
ReplyDeleteFukuyama makes some very good points, but fails to mention the economic, educational, industrial, demographic, and political fragility of the Russian Federation. IMO.
DeleteTwo simultaneous explosions on a Russian airbase in Rostov-on-Don [Click] Doubtless Russian soldiers smoking on the job.
ReplyDeletePersonally, I think Russia got suckered. "Come in, said the spider to the fly."
ReplyDeleteTwo from The Atlantic:
ReplyDeleteIt’s Time to Prepare for a Ukrainian Victory [Click] The liberation of Russian-occupied territory might bring down Vladimir Putin— and indeed the Russian Federation itself. Who then to negotiate with?
Ukraine Pulled Off a Masterstroke [Click]
I recommend negotiating with the Russian soldiers' mothers.
DeleteIs the Russian Kherson Front Also Collapsing? There might be big capitulations coming! [Click] It could also simply be psychological warfare.
ReplyDeleteRUSSIAN CATASTROPHE, MORE CAPTURED SOLDIERS AND DOWNED PLANES, UKRAINE KEEPS PUSHING [Click] The sheer joy of the liberated civilians (from about 2 minutes on) is frankly heartwarming.
ReplyDeleteWe've had an, er, interesting day. While I was in a meeting, Wil got an email about a service we had purchased needing renewal. He didn't want to renew, so called the number and one thing lead to another until he realised the guy on the phone he was working with must not be from that place's tech support after all, and the guy currently had control of his computer and could see our bank account. They guy moved our savings into our checking and Wil immediately did a hard shut down and the guy got very upset. While still talking to the guy, Wil drove the half mile to our bank and was able to clue in the tellar while the guy was still on the phone. Eventually the head tellar took his phone and had words with the guy, while the bank shut down the whole works. Awesome. So we now have a new bank account, and the guy never got to take any of our money. =Whew!=. As my meeting ended, I got a text message from Wil at the bank, so I went over to sign some documents with him and all's well. Then Wil went out and bought a new computer and will have his old one wiped.
ReplyDeleteWe like fixable problems, and the good folks at the bank are going to get a box of chocolates tomorrow!!
Gee--that's quite an adventure! Glad Wil caught on in time!
DeleteAm I correct in thinking you and/or the bank have notified law enforcement?
DeleteWe are informing the Attorney General's office.
DeleteThe bank's head teller was thrilled that Wil had kept the guy on the phone while driving there. They hardly ever get to speak to the perpetrator and I think some information was obtained that way.
The Guardian: Moscow fireworks contrast with worsening news from Ukraine front lines. [Click] “All eyes are now on Putin’s response. Will he try to gloss over the current retreat, as he did the withdrawal from Kyiv, or will he double down with mobilisation or nuclear threats?” There are so many other choices! He could flee to the Maldives (Doesn’t he have a megayacht there?), have a nice cup of Russian tea, fall on some bullets, or have an accident on a fifth floor balcony, lead a charge in Ukraine-— the list goes on and on.
ReplyDeleteSince there is no formal method in the current Russian constitution for replacing Putin, flight or a replacement with extreme prejudice seem most likely. No matter what becomes of Uncle Vlad, I think the fate of the Russian Federation is sealed. I stand by my suggestion that Ukraine should build a victory monument out of Russian tank and howitzer barrels welded together and coated with bronze. Perhaps surmounted by a statue of Saint Javelin, gazing toward Moscow. (I am inspired by the Victory Column in Berlin.)
Delete'Substantial Escalation' In Jan. 6 Probe As DOJ Seizes Phones From 'Top' Trump Aides [Click]
ReplyDeleteI just read today that there is a Jan. 6 hearing scheduled for Wednesday, September 28.
ReplyDeleteRoot*Center*Son's birthday!
Delete"Today, more than 150 prominent Michigan Republicans—including a former head of the Michigan Republican Party—backed Democratic governor Gretchen Whitmer for reelection."
ReplyDeleteHeather Cox Richardson today
Gee.
Delete