Can Loose Lips Sink an Alliance? - WSJ

NATO calls itself the most successful military alliance in human history, and that isn’t hollow bragging or crass marketing. Never before have so many countries, representing almost one-eighth of the world’s population, pledged to protect each other so consistently, for so long.

…

NATO has also kept peace among centuries-old enemies. United under NATO’s security umbrella, long-feuding neighbors including France and Germany have become close allies. Others, including Greece and Turkey, have kept animosities from turning to war. Were NATO to atrophy or disappear, it isn’t inconceivable European leaders would once again fear and rearm against each other.

Oh the hours of entertainment that children can get from a single big box.

📦

I hate that Apple is automatically using AI to generate transcripts for all podcasts on Apple Podcasts.

We’re in the very early innings of AI, and the idea that I can’t opt-out from its use on my intellectual property is wrong.

I’ve been trying to use Brick when I’m downstairs and away from my computer. More refinements to be done to my blocked apps, but I like the workflow. Much better than messing around with ScreenTime settings.

Refrigerator robots.

Dave Ramsey Advises Trump To Use Snowball Method, Pay Off Smallest Legal Judgment First - Babylon Bee

At publishing time, Trump had reportedly hung up on Ramsey after Ramsey yelled, “SELL THE STUPID PLANE!”

Nothing beats your own bed.

🛌

Snowy day ⛷️

Snowfall. ❄️

Tucker Carlson Says He Is Interviewing Russian President Vladimir Putin - WSJ

“Most Americans have no idea why Putin invaded Ukraine, or what his goals are now,” Carlson said in the video. “They’ve never heard his voice. That’s wrong. Americans have a right to know all they can about a war they’re implicated in

Let’s see, Russia invaded a sovereign nation, while promising that his massing forces were just on exercises, his forces massacred civilian populations, his military targeted civilian hospitals and infrastructure with missile and drone strikes, he’s buying equipment and material from Iran and North Korea, and mercenaries, acting at his direction, recruited from prison colonies to participate in the invasion.

Am I missing something?

Carlson’s evolution from a traditional, interventionist Republican who supported the Iraq war to an arch-isolationist, populist firebrand has in many ways mirrored the broader conservative movement that came to form the core of Trump’s base.

Here’s the truth. Carlson will do or say anything as long as it means that he gets more attention and more money. He’s encouraging division and outrage in our country because it’s the rage that’s monetizing him.

Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time - USCCB Daily Readings

Rising very early before dawn, he left and went off to a deserted place, where he prayed.

Mark 1:35

Slowly, but surely, we’re pushing the boundaries of trying to escape reality. Humans have always sought these escape, but we’re taking it way further than any previous generation has ever attempted. This isn’t just seeking blissful escape, this is a rejection of the very notion of truth and beauty.

There’s no substitute for the authentic, real human experience.

Biden Names Elmo New Press Secretary - Babylon Bee

“Elmo is so happy to be here! Elmo loves talking about Iran! Hahaha!” said Elmo as he hosted his first press conference. “Elmo loves new friends! Peter, do you want to be Elmo’s friend??”

Biden to Visit East Palestine, Ohio, One Year After Train Derailment - WSJ

The trip would mark the first time Biden has visited the site since the accident devastated the small Ohio town

Consoler-in-Chief