De-Risking US Dependency: Economic & Trade Policy Edition
Carney constructs a mega anti-Trump trade alliance
The Canadian prime minister is spearheading discussions between the EU and a major Indo-Pacific trade bloc after calling on middle powers to join forces.
www.politico.eu
February 17, 2026 at 12:22 AM
De-Risking US Dependency: Economic & Trade Policy Edition
Believe the New York Times official policy when it comes to "reporting" on US politics:
"We don't report the news, we report the narrative"
"And, as the paper of record, it is our right and highest aspiration to define the narrative"
Read how they report on other countries to see the difference.
"We don't report the news, we report the narrative"
"And, as the paper of record, it is our right and highest aspiration to define the narrative"
Read how they report on other countries to see the difference.
Have you ever once seen the New York Times quote Trump like this?
February 16, 2026 at 9:07 PM
Believe the New York Times official policy when it comes to "reporting" on US politics:
"We don't report the news, we report the narrative"
"And, as the paper of record, it is our right and highest aspiration to define the narrative"
Read how they report on other countries to see the difference.
"We don't report the news, we report the narrative"
"And, as the paper of record, it is our right and highest aspiration to define the narrative"
Read how they report on other countries to see the difference.
De-Risking US Dependency: Canada Defense & Defense Industry Edition
Canada seals deal on EU defence procurement as Munich summit tests transatlantic ties
OTTAWA — Canada has officially signed onto the European defence procurement program it announced it would join last summer, as Washington’s upending of geopolitics overshadows the world’s top security...
ottawa.citynews.ca
February 16, 2026 at 8:33 PM
De-Risking US Dependency: Canada Defense & Defense Industry Edition
De-Risking US dependency: Bank Payment System Edition
UK bank bosses plan to set up Visa and Mastercard alternative amid Trump fears
Exclusive: First meeting to be held over domestic payments system aimed at reducing reliance on US networks
www.theguardian.com
February 16, 2026 at 8:00 PM
De-Risking US dependency: Bank Payment System Edition
Forget no-trade, think #RedSox should institute a corporate policy that prohibits the CEO or President of Baseball Operations from speaking in public.
Bregman will inevitably give his side of the story and given Sox mgmt credibility gap, do not see how any of this is helpful to the Organization.
Bregman will inevitably give his side of the story and given Sox mgmt credibility gap, do not see how any of this is helpful to the Organization.
Red Sox CEO Sam Kennedy: ‘If Alex Bregman wanted to be here, ultimately, he’d be here’
Kennedy also said the decision to trade Rafael Devers, whom Bregman replaced at third base, was "among the hardest in 25 years here."
www.nytimes.com
February 15, 2026 at 7:49 PM
Forget no-trade, think #RedSox should institute a corporate policy that prohibits the CEO or President of Baseball Operations from speaking in public.
Bregman will inevitably give his side of the story and given Sox mgmt credibility gap, do not see how any of this is helpful to the Organization.
Bregman will inevitably give his side of the story and given Sox mgmt credibility gap, do not see how any of this is helpful to the Organization.
Just read Rubio’s Munich speech and it’s a fine speech, if the US had existed and was a delegate at the Peace of Westphalia
Speech is truly ignorant about the enlightenment principles upon which the US was founded
Further, there is cognitive dissonance between Rubio’s words and his boss’ actions
Speech is truly ignorant about the enlightenment principles upon which the US was founded
Further, there is cognitive dissonance between Rubio’s words and his boss’ actions
Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the Munich Security Conference - United States Department of State
SECRETARY RUBIO: Thank you very much. We gather here today as members of a historic alliance, an alliance that saved and changed the world. When this conference began in 1963, it was in a nation – ...
www.state.gov
February 15, 2026 at 3:23 AM
Just read Rubio’s Munich speech and it’s a fine speech, if the US had existed and was a delegate at the Peace of Westphalia
Speech is truly ignorant about the enlightenment principles upon which the US was founded
Further, there is cognitive dissonance between Rubio’s words and his boss’ actions
Speech is truly ignorant about the enlightenment principles upon which the US was founded
Further, there is cognitive dissonance between Rubio’s words and his boss’ actions
In wake of Tumbler Ridge school shooting, 🇨🇦 leaders came together to support the community & remember the victims
Difficult to imagine in today’s 🇺🇸, the PM and leader of the opposition recognize there are things above politics
Shouldn’t be, but image of the two holding hands at vigil is remarkable
Difficult to imagine in today’s 🇺🇸, the PM and leader of the opposition recognize there are things above politics
Shouldn’t be, but image of the two holding hands at vigil is remarkable
'Tumbler Ridge is full of grace this evening': PM gives emotional address at vigil for mass shooting victims | CBC News
Prime Minister Mark Carney led federal, provincial and local leaders in offering support and praising the resilience and grace of Tumbler Ridge residents at a vigil in memory of the victims of Tuesday...
www.cbc.ca
February 14, 2026 at 5:58 PM
In wake of Tumbler Ridge school shooting, 🇨🇦 leaders came together to support the community & remember the victims
Difficult to imagine in today’s 🇺🇸, the PM and leader of the opposition recognize there are things above politics
Shouldn’t be, but image of the two holding hands at vigil is remarkable
Difficult to imagine in today’s 🇺🇸, the PM and leader of the opposition recognize there are things above politics
Shouldn’t be, but image of the two holding hands at vigil is remarkable
@chicago.suntimes.com continuing to track grocery prices and deliver good evidence based journalism
Grocery prices in Chicago have climbed double digits in the last year despite Trump's vow to lower them
The Sun-Times has been checking the prices of 35 common grocery items at four Chicago stores for the last year, and most items haven't become cheaper.
chicago.suntimes.com
February 14, 2026 at 1:49 AM
@chicago.suntimes.com continuing to track grocery prices and deliver good evidence based journalism
Rubio and the US Administration doing a good job confirming the conclusions of Carney, Macron, Merz, et al. on the demise of the western alliance and end of the post WW2 rules based order.
Rubio skips Ukraine meeting with European leaders in Munich
US secretary of state cancels attendance at last minute in move that EU official calls ‘insane’
www.ft.com
February 13, 2026 at 10:28 PM
Rubio and the US Administration doing a good job confirming the conclusions of Carney, Macron, Merz, et al. on the demise of the western alliance and end of the post WW2 rules based order.
One word to take the sport of Curling to the next level:
“Enforcers”
The Canadians should see if Tie Domi or Marty McSorley are available to join the team.
“Enforcers”
The Canadians should see if Tie Domi or Marty McSorley are available to join the team.
CURLING BEEF! CURLING BEEF! CURLING BEEF! CURLING BEEF!
(I never post Olympic videos bc the IOC will hunt you down but I am taking that risk so that you can hear the Canadian curling cursing)
(I never post Olympic videos bc the IOC will hunt you down but I am taking that risk so that you can hear the Canadian curling cursing)
February 13, 2026 at 10:07 PM
One word to take the sport of Curling to the next level:
“Enforcers”
The Canadians should see if Tie Domi or Marty McSorley are available to join the team.
“Enforcers”
The Canadians should see if Tie Domi or Marty McSorley are available to join the team.
“Europe is a radically original political construction of free sovereign states that gave up…war to institutionalize peace through economic interdependence. Now, Europe has to learn to become a geopolitical power.”
Good place for Macron to focus would be on strengthening Franco-German alignment.
Good place for Macron to focus would be on strengthening Franco-German alignment.
Macron defends European model at Munich Security Conference
Macron defends European model at Munich Security Conference
A year after JD Vance criticized Europe's immigration and free speech policies at the same forum, Macron said the continent would be a 'good ally and partner' to the United States, ready to shoulder its fair share of the burden.
www.lemonde.fr
February 13, 2026 at 9:04 PM
“Europe is a radically original political construction of free sovereign states that gave up…war to institutionalize peace through economic interdependence. Now, Europe has to learn to become a geopolitical power.”
Good place for Macron to focus would be on strengthening Franco-German alignment.
Good place for Macron to focus would be on strengthening Franco-German alignment.
Making the Middle Kingdom great again.
These charts show how Trump is isolating the US on the world stage
Analysis shows that the world is moving closer to China, as Trump’s isolationism rears its head at the United Nations
www.theguardian.com
February 13, 2026 at 4:45 PM
Making the Middle Kingdom great again.
The US self-harm tour just keeps rolling on.
We are truly living in the 'Homer Simpson as Sanitation Commissioner' world and we desperately need Ray Patterson (and his Sanford & Sons theme song) back.
We are truly living in the 'Homer Simpson as Sanitation Commissioner' world and we desperately need Ray Patterson (and his Sanford & Sons theme song) back.
Trump Administration Erases the Government’s Power to Fight Climate Change
www.nytimes.com
February 12, 2026 at 7:27 PM
The US self-harm tour just keeps rolling on.
We are truly living in the 'Homer Simpson as Sanitation Commissioner' world and we desperately need Ray Patterson (and his Sanford & Sons theme song) back.
We are truly living in the 'Homer Simpson as Sanitation Commissioner' world and we desperately need Ray Patterson (and his Sanford & Sons theme song) back.
Not that facts matter, but a periodic reminder about coal mining jobs:
-Coal jobs have been declining for decades and are not coming back
-Most coal mining is now highly mechanized and not labor intensive
-There are more jobs in healthcare in WV alone, than all coal mining jobs across entire US
-Coal jobs have been declining for decades and are not coming back
-Most coal mining is now highly mechanized and not labor intensive
-There are more jobs in healthcare in WV alone, than all coal mining jobs across entire US
February 12, 2026 at 4:35 AM
Not that facts matter, but a periodic reminder about coal mining jobs:
-Coal jobs have been declining for decades and are not coming back
-Most coal mining is now highly mechanized and not labor intensive
-There are more jobs in healthcare in WV alone, than all coal mining jobs across entire US
-Coal jobs have been declining for decades and are not coming back
-Most coal mining is now highly mechanized and not labor intensive
-There are more jobs in healthcare in WV alone, than all coal mining jobs across entire US
They said it could not be done, but against all the odds he is just gone and done the Double:
FIFA "Peace Prize" Champion
&
"Clean Coal" Champion
Will he be able do the Treble by winning the "Ms. Saudi Arabia" crown, only time will tell...but you would not bet against our very special boy.
FIFA "Peace Prize" Champion
&
"Clean Coal" Champion
Will he be able do the Treble by winning the "Ms. Saudi Arabia" crown, only time will tell...but you would not bet against our very special boy.
"Sir, to show our appreciation, the trophy says 'the undisputed champion of beautiful, clean coal'"
February 11, 2026 at 10:43 PM
They said it could not be done, but against all the odds he is just gone and done the Double:
FIFA "Peace Prize" Champion
&
"Clean Coal" Champion
Will he be able do the Treble by winning the "Ms. Saudi Arabia" crown, only time will tell...but you would not bet against our very special boy.
FIFA "Peace Prize" Champion
&
"Clean Coal" Champion
Will he be able do the Treble by winning the "Ms. Saudi Arabia" crown, only time will tell...but you would not bet against our very special boy.
Turning the Rapture into a CDO (Collateralized Deity Obligation) vs Synthetic CDO wager, just like Jesus always taught.
Look forward to the Options action in the polytheistic markets.
Look forward to the Options action in the polytheistic markets.
February 11, 2026 at 12:00 AM
Turning the Rapture into a CDO (Collateralized Deity Obligation) vs Synthetic CDO wager, just like Jesus always taught.
Look forward to the Options action in the polytheistic markets.
Look forward to the Options action in the polytheistic markets.
On this day 6 years ago, #RedSox traded their best player since Yaz
Recall this sad day not for further hand-wringing, but because:
-Decisions Sox make today still sit in the shadow of the Mookie trade
-Later this season, Mookie will have played more games for the Dodgers than he did for the Sox
Recall this sad day not for further hand-wringing, but because:
-Decisions Sox make today still sit in the shadow of the Mookie trade
-Later this season, Mookie will have played more games for the Dodgers than he did for the Sox
February 10, 2026 at 3:11 PM
On this day 6 years ago, #RedSox traded their best player since Yaz
Recall this sad day not for further hand-wringing, but because:
-Decisions Sox make today still sit in the shadow of the Mookie trade
-Later this season, Mookie will have played more games for the Dodgers than he did for the Sox
Recall this sad day not for further hand-wringing, but because:
-Decisions Sox make today still sit in the shadow of the Mookie trade
-Later this season, Mookie will have played more games for the Dodgers than he did for the Sox
You might think the frequency by which the @nytimes.com refers to the President of the United States as "Unbound" might be the source of greater consternation, focus and urgency by our democratic republic's paper of record.
February 10, 2026 at 5:45 AM
You might think the frequency by which the @nytimes.com refers to the President of the United States as "Unbound" might be the source of greater consternation, focus and urgency by our democratic republic's paper of record.
Think someone has reminded me it’s time to rewatch the movie ‘SlapShot’.
“Eddie Shore…Old Time Hockey”
“Eddie Shore…Old Time Hockey”
February 10, 2026 at 1:14 AM
Think someone has reminded me it’s time to rewatch the movie ‘SlapShot’.
“Eddie Shore…Old Time Hockey”
“Eddie Shore…Old Time Hockey”
FYI…Trump endorsed the Gordie Howe Bridge in his first term.
February 10, 2026 at 12:02 AM
FYI…Trump endorsed the Gordie Howe Bridge in his first term.
New report from Munich Security Conf. describes "wrecking ball politics" demolishing post WW2 order.
“Under Donald Trump...the United States has largely abandoned the role of the ‘leader of the free world.’”
Unfortunately, the wrecking ball is being used at home to undermine US domestic order too.
“Under Donald Trump...the United States has largely abandoned the role of the ‘leader of the free world.’”
Unfortunately, the wrecking ball is being used at home to undermine US domestic order too.
Trump Is a Global ‘Wrecking Ball,’ European Security Experts Say
www.nytimes.com
February 9, 2026 at 9:57 PM
New report from Munich Security Conf. describes "wrecking ball politics" demolishing post WW2 order.
“Under Donald Trump...the United States has largely abandoned the role of the ‘leader of the free world.’”
Unfortunately, the wrecking ball is being used at home to undermine US domestic order too.
“Under Donald Trump...the United States has largely abandoned the role of the ‘leader of the free world.’”
Unfortunately, the wrecking ball is being used at home to undermine US domestic order too.
An extraordinarily complex project beset by timeline and cost overruns, but now delivering tremendous value.
Do hope the media that rightfully drew attention to challenges / shortcomings of the project, will continue to draw similar attention to the ongoing value of great public infrastructure
Do hope the media that rightfully drew attention to challenges / shortcomings of the project, will continue to draw similar attention to the ongoing value of great public infrastructure
The Elizabeth line is exceeding every expectation. It’s now the busiest rail service in the UK with more than 750 million journeys completed. A major lift for London’s economy and for towns like Reading. Smart infrastructure investment works.
How the Elizabeth Line has changed Reading
Business, tourism and the housing market have all seen significant changes since the Elizabeth Line opened in 2022.
www.bbc.co.uk
February 9, 2026 at 5:27 PM
An extraordinarily complex project beset by timeline and cost overruns, but now delivering tremendous value.
Do hope the media that rightfully drew attention to challenges / shortcomings of the project, will continue to draw similar attention to the ongoing value of great public infrastructure
Do hope the media that rightfully drew attention to challenges / shortcomings of the project, will continue to draw similar attention to the ongoing value of great public infrastructure
Super Bowl MVP
1) Seattle Defense
2) Seattle FG Kicker
3) Both Teams’ Punters
1) Seattle Defense
2) Seattle FG Kicker
3) Both Teams’ Punters
February 9, 2026 at 3:01 AM
Super Bowl MVP
1) Seattle Defense
2) Seattle FG Kicker
3) Both Teams’ Punters
1) Seattle Defense
2) Seattle FG Kicker
3) Both Teams’ Punters
Punts made a real game of it, but it appears they’re going to come up a bit short tonight.
Always next year!
Always next year!
Punts have surged in front:
Points = 12
Punts = 13
Still all to play for, but you cannot script drama like this!
Points = 12
Punts = 13
Still all to play for, but you cannot script drama like this!
Punts have now drawn level with Points:
Points = 12
Punts = 12
What a game!!
Points = 12
Punts = 12
What a game!!
February 9, 2026 at 2:41 AM
Punts made a real game of it, but it appears they’re going to come up a bit short tonight.
Always next year!
Always next year!
Punts have surged in front:
Points = 12
Punts = 13
Still all to play for, but you cannot script drama like this!
Points = 12
Punts = 13
Still all to play for, but you cannot script drama like this!
Punts have now drawn level with Points:
Points = 12
Punts = 12
What a game!!
Points = 12
Punts = 12
What a game!!
What were the odds on more total punts than total points in this game?
Mid 3rd Qtr:
Total Points = 12
Total Punts = 11
Mid 3rd Qtr:
Total Points = 12
Total Punts = 11
February 9, 2026 at 2:19 AM
Punts have surged in front:
Points = 12
Punts = 13
Still all to play for, but you cannot script drama like this!
Points = 12
Punts = 13
Still all to play for, but you cannot script drama like this!