Richard Bellikoff
@bellikoff.bsky.social
Writer, singer & guitarist; Swimmer, skier & mountain hiker; Boxing, tennis, football & hockey fan; Sinatra, Steely Dan & Mahler fan
Not AI-generated. Creative combination of the sacred and the secular, outside of a house in Pasadena (CA, not TX).
December 23, 2025 at 4:01 AM
Not AI-generated. Creative combination of the sacred and the secular, outside of a house in Pasadena (CA, not TX).
Sneak preview of the first classical concert at the newly renamed Trump-Kennedy Center.
December 22, 2025 at 11:28 PM
Sneak preview of the first classical concert at the newly renamed Trump-Kennedy Center.
"The holiday season offers many reasons to celebrate. . .
This year, however, I am celebrating a joyous event that eclipses all others: the unexpected but much-wished-for departure of Rep. Elise Stefanik from politics." open.substack.com/pub/borowitz...
This year, however, I am celebrating a joyous event that eclipses all others: the unexpected but much-wished-for departure of Rep. Elise Stefanik from politics." open.substack.com/pub/borowitz...
The Best Thing That Happened in 2025
A genuine cause for celebration.
open.substack.com
December 22, 2025 at 5:02 PM
"The holiday season offers many reasons to celebrate. . .
This year, however, I am celebrating a joyous event that eclipses all others: the unexpected but much-wished-for departure of Rep. Elise Stefanik from politics." open.substack.com/pub/borowitz...
This year, however, I am celebrating a joyous event that eclipses all others: the unexpected but much-wished-for departure of Rep. Elise Stefanik from politics." open.substack.com/pub/borowitz...
"Trump will continue to give speeches boasting about nonexistent success, telling voters that we have the hottest economy in world history, etc. But his attempt to gaslight the nation about jobs will go no better than his gaslighting on the cost of living." paulkrugman.substack.com/p/magas-manl...
MAGA’s Manly Manufacturing Misfire
Understanding Trump’s other big failure
paulkrugman.substack.com
December 22, 2025 at 4:56 PM
"Trump will continue to give speeches boasting about nonexistent success, telling voters that we have the hottest economy in world history, etc. But his attempt to gaslight the nation about jobs will go no better than his gaslighting on the cost of living." paulkrugman.substack.com/p/magas-manl...
"Trump isn’t improving his standing with his reality denial “affordability” tour, which will clearly take the form of multiple speeches in which he demands that Americans reject the evidence of their own eyes and admit that prices are falling, not rising." paulkrugman.substack.com/p/magas-manl...
MAGA’s Manly Manufacturing Misfire
Understanding Trump’s other big failure
paulkrugman.substack.com
December 22, 2025 at 4:54 PM
"Trump isn’t improving his standing with his reality denial “affordability” tour, which will clearly take the form of multiple speeches in which he demands that Americans reject the evidence of their own eyes and admit that prices are falling, not rising." paulkrugman.substack.com/p/magas-manl...
Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa (pronounced Tesla) caught a touchdown pass, but it wasn't enough. Tesla and his team lost.
www.si.com/nfl/steelers...
www.si.com/nfl/steelers...
Steelers Beat Lions After Crazy Last-Second Call by Refs
PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Steelers relied heavily on their depth, with their offense and defense both prevailing in a pivotal win over the Detroit Lions, 29-
www.si.com
December 22, 2025 at 1:15 AM
Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa (pronounced Tesla) caught a touchdown pass, but it wasn't enough. Tesla and his team lost.
www.si.com/nfl/steelers...
www.si.com/nfl/steelers...
Second verse:
My nightmare is a wet Christmas
With every Christmas gift I buy
May your Christmas have a clear sky
And may all your Christmases be dry
My nightmare is a wet Christmas
With every Christmas gift I buy
May your Christmas have a clear sky
And may all your Christmases be dry
New lyrics for a Christmas classic:
My nightmare is a wet Christmas
Just like the ones I used to dread
Where the wind keeps blowing
And mud keeps flowing
With trees falling on my head www.latimes.com/california/s...
My nightmare is a wet Christmas
Just like the ones I used to dread
Where the wind keeps blowing
And mud keeps flowing
With trees falling on my head www.latimes.com/california/s...
Southern California's Christmas weather forecast keeps getting worse. What you need to know
This could be one of the stormiest Christmases in recent memory. There’s an 80% chance downtown Los Angeles will get 2 or more inches of rain Tuesday through Christmas.
www.latimes.com
December 21, 2025 at 8:01 PM
Second verse:
My nightmare is a wet Christmas
With every Christmas gift I buy
May your Christmas have a clear sky
And may all your Christmases be dry
My nightmare is a wet Christmas
With every Christmas gift I buy
May your Christmas have a clear sky
And may all your Christmases be dry
New lyrics for a Christmas classic:
My nightmare is a wet Christmas
Just like the ones I used to dread
Where the wind keeps blowing
And mud keeps flowing
With trees falling on my head www.latimes.com/california/s...
My nightmare is a wet Christmas
Just like the ones I used to dread
Where the wind keeps blowing
And mud keeps flowing
With trees falling on my head www.latimes.com/california/s...
Southern California's Christmas weather forecast keeps getting worse. What you need to know
This could be one of the stormiest Christmases in recent memory. There’s an 80% chance downtown Los Angeles will get 2 or more inches of rain Tuesday through Christmas.
www.latimes.com
December 21, 2025 at 6:16 PM
New lyrics for a Christmas classic:
My nightmare is a wet Christmas
Just like the ones I used to dread
Where the wind keeps blowing
And mud keeps flowing
With trees falling on my head www.latimes.com/california/s...
My nightmare is a wet Christmas
Just like the ones I used to dread
Where the wind keeps blowing
And mud keeps flowing
With trees falling on my head www.latimes.com/california/s...
"Charging station at North Pole far too cold to function—sleigh unable to start. Santa’s mittens prevent use of touch screen, V.R. reins, and door handles.
Sleigh just exploded."
www.newyorker.com/humor/daily-...
Sleigh just exploded."
www.newyorker.com/humor/daily-...
Reported Problems with Santa’s New Tesla Sleigh
Reindeer have begun to protest what they believe to be unlawful termination. Santa disagrees and insists that he doesn’t “need those weird little horses anymore.”
www.newyorker.com
December 21, 2025 at 5:29 PM
"Charging station at North Pole far too cold to function—sleigh unable to start. Santa’s mittens prevent use of touch screen, V.R. reins, and door handles.
Sleigh just exploded."
www.newyorker.com/humor/daily-...
Sleigh just exploded."
www.newyorker.com/humor/daily-...
"Elves assigned to sleigh repair report inhumane working conditions, vote to unionize. Santa declares, “I’ll just fucking do it myself,” and fires entire staff.
Santa unable to “just fucking do it” himself. Attempts to rehire recently fired elves."
www.newyorker.com/humor/daily-...
Santa unable to “just fucking do it” himself. Attempts to rehire recently fired elves."
www.newyorker.com/humor/daily-...
Reported Problems with Santa’s New Tesla Sleigh
Reindeer have begun to protest what they believe to be unlawful termination. Santa disagrees and insists that he doesn’t “need those weird little horses anymore.”
www.newyorker.com
December 21, 2025 at 5:27 PM
"Elves assigned to sleigh repair report inhumane working conditions, vote to unionize. Santa declares, “I’ll just fucking do it myself,” and fires entire staff.
Santa unable to “just fucking do it” himself. Attempts to rehire recently fired elves."
www.newyorker.com/humor/daily-...
Santa unable to “just fucking do it” himself. Attempts to rehire recently fired elves."
www.newyorker.com/humor/daily-...
"Santa dangerously distracted by sleigh’s touch-screen gaming console.
Self-driving system keeps trying to take Santa’s sleigh on the highway.
Sleigh too tall, sensors unable to recognize elves or children. Sleigh is recalled owing to safety concerns."
www.newyorker.com/humor/daily-...
Self-driving system keeps trying to take Santa’s sleigh on the highway.
Sleigh too tall, sensors unable to recognize elves or children. Sleigh is recalled owing to safety concerns."
www.newyorker.com/humor/daily-...
Reported Problems with Santa’s New Tesla Sleigh
Reindeer have begun to protest what they believe to be unlawful termination. Santa disagrees and insists that he doesn’t “need those weird little horses anymore.”
www.newyorker.com
December 21, 2025 at 5:26 PM
"Santa dangerously distracted by sleigh’s touch-screen gaming console.
Self-driving system keeps trying to take Santa’s sleigh on the highway.
Sleigh too tall, sensors unable to recognize elves or children. Sleigh is recalled owing to safety concerns."
www.newyorker.com/humor/daily-...
Self-driving system keeps trying to take Santa’s sleigh on the highway.
Sleigh too tall, sensors unable to recognize elves or children. Sleigh is recalled owing to safety concerns."
www.newyorker.com/humor/daily-...
"Facial recognition for sleigh ignition is unable to recognize Santa consistently through beard and hat.
Range is a little less than four hundred miles. Nearest village to the North Pole is about eight hundred miles away."
www.newyorker.com/humor/daily-...
Range is a little less than four hundred miles. Nearest village to the North Pole is about eight hundred miles away."
www.newyorker.com/humor/daily-...
Reported Problems with Santa’s New Tesla Sleigh
Reindeer have begun to protest what they believe to be unlawful termination. Santa disagrees and insists that he doesn’t “need those weird little horses anymore.”
www.newyorker.com
December 21, 2025 at 5:23 PM
"Facial recognition for sleigh ignition is unable to recognize Santa consistently through beard and hat.
Range is a little less than four hundred miles. Nearest village to the North Pole is about eight hundred miles away."
www.newyorker.com/humor/daily-...
Range is a little less than four hundred miles. Nearest village to the North Pole is about eight hundred miles away."
www.newyorker.com/humor/daily-...
As someone who's almost 20 years older than Jimmy Kimmel, I grew up not only reading Superman, but also watching him on TV. www.youtube.com/watch?v=p0B1...
December 21, 2025 at 5:05 PM
As someone who's almost 20 years older than Jimmy Kimmel, I grew up not only reading Superman, but also watching him on TV. www.youtube.com/watch?v=p0B1...
"Various members of the Kennedy family (though not the Secretary of Health and Human Services) expressed their chagrin. Maria Shriver, J.F.K.’s niece, called the move “beyond comprehension.” But, with respect, is it really beyond comprehension?" www.newyorker.com/news/the-led...
Trump Dishonors the Kennedy Center
A memorial to John F. Kennedy and his respect for the freedom of the arts has been renamed for a man with authoritarian instincts.
www.newyorker.com
December 20, 2025 at 9:03 PM
"Various members of the Kennedy family (though not the Secretary of Health and Human Services) expressed their chagrin. Maria Shriver, J.F.K.’s niece, called the move “beyond comprehension.” But, with respect, is it really beyond comprehension?" www.newyorker.com/news/the-led...
"He interrupted prime time television to yell at the American people this week because he does not know what to do besides yell." www.nytimes.com/2025/12/20/o...
Opinion | Donald Trump Is Very Unhappy With You
www.nytimes.com
December 20, 2025 at 4:39 PM
"He interrupted prime time television to yell at the American people this week because he does not know what to do besides yell." www.nytimes.com/2025/12/20/o...
"Outside, a man hawking Trump merchandise was struggling to find takers for MAGA beanies, even after dropping the price to $5." www.washingtonpost.com/politics/202...
Trump makes affordability pitch in struggling corner of N.C., his last rally of 2025
Trump used the rally to hammer the issue his advisers want him to emphasize as his poll numbers lag.
www.washingtonpost.com
December 20, 2025 at 4:16 PM
"Outside, a man hawking Trump merchandise was struggling to find takers for MAGA beanies, even after dropping the price to $5." www.washingtonpost.com/politics/202...
"Rick Wilson was right. Everything Trump Touches Dies, including my political career." @therickwilson.bsky.social
December 20, 2025 at 1:07 AM
"Rick Wilson was right. Everything Trump Touches Dies, including my political career." @therickwilson.bsky.social
What does Key Lime Air do when they're not flying for ICE, transport Key Lime Pie?
December 19, 2025 at 7:24 PM
What does Key Lime Air do when they're not flying for ICE, transport Key Lime Pie?
Vuvuzelas, heard at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, would work even better. www.youtube.com/watch?v=xB6k...
December 19, 2025 at 7:19 PM
Vuvuzelas, heard at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, would work even better. www.youtube.com/watch?v=xB6k...
In March, he'll be 41. That's young for life but old for tennis. Time to hang it up, Stan. www.atptour.com/en/news/wawr...
Stan Wawrinka announces 'one last push': 2026 will be his last year | ATP Tour | Tennis
Stan Wawrinka announced on Instagram Friday that 2026 will be his last year on tour.
www.atptour.com
December 19, 2025 at 5:52 PM
In March, he'll be 41. That's young for life but old for tennis. Time to hang it up, Stan. www.atptour.com/en/news/wawr...
What I learned is that Jeff Bezos is a greedy broligarch who won't allow individual Thursday Night Football games to be watched on a pay-per-view basis. You have to subscribe to Amazon Crime. www.nfl.com/news/rams-se...
Rams-Seahawks on 'Thursday Night Football': What We Learned from Seattle's 38-37 overtime win
A frenzied fourth-quarter comeback and subsequent overtime victory over the Los Angeles Rams punched the Seattle Seahawks' playoff ticket and put them into the NFC West driver's seat.
www.nfl.com
December 19, 2025 at 5:27 PM
What I learned is that Jeff Bezos is a greedy broligarch who won't allow individual Thursday Night Football games to be watched on a pay-per-view basis. You have to subscribe to Amazon Crime. www.nfl.com/news/rams-se...
"That was a short speech, but it presages a very long next three years for ordinary Americans. And for congressional Republicans, it presages a very ugly November 2026."
paulkrugman.substack.com/p/lies-damne...
paulkrugman.substack.com/p/lies-damne...
Lies, Damned Lies and Trump Speeches
What MAGA genius thought that Trump’s “affordability” speech was a good idea?
paulkrugman.substack.com
December 19, 2025 at 1:47 PM
"That was a short speech, but it presages a very long next three years for ordinary Americans. And for congressional Republicans, it presages a very ugly November 2026."
paulkrugman.substack.com/p/lies-damne...
paulkrugman.substack.com/p/lies-damne...
"Trump has no idea how to govern. Faced with adversity, he’s unable to propose policies to improve the situation. All he can do is continue to gaslight the public and claim that everything is great, while smearing his opponents." paulkrugman.substack.com/p/lies-damne...
Lies, Damned Lies and Trump Speeches
What MAGA genius thought that Trump’s “affordability” speech was a good idea?
paulkrugman.substack.com
December 19, 2025 at 1:46 PM
"Trump has no idea how to govern. Faced with adversity, he’s unable to propose policies to improve the situation. All he can do is continue to gaslight the public and claim that everything is great, while smearing his opponents." paulkrugman.substack.com/p/lies-damne...